For the fourth consecutive year, Massachusetts has been named the best state in the country to raise a family. 

The Bay State topped WalletHub’s 2025 list of Best & Worst States to Raise a Family. Massachusetts also topped the list in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

WalletHub compared all 50 states across 50 key indicators of “family-friendliness,” including median annual family income, housing affordability, quality of health care, crime rate and quality of schools. States were also compared across five metrics, including family fun, health and safety, education and child care, affordability and socio-economics. 

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly. 

“In fact, it can cost a family well over $300,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Lupo said. “In light of the expensive nature of being a parent and the responsibility it entails, it’s important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety and opportunities for enrichment.”

Massachusetts took the top spot once again this year with a total score of 68.88, up from 66.97 last year and from 66.14 in 2023 and 65.21 in 2022.

The Bay State also took the No. 1 spot in both education and child care and affordability, despite having some of the highest child-care costs in the country. And it ranked No. 1 for having the lowest infant mortality rate.  

The report noted Massachusetts has the best public school systems.

“Massachusetts is the best state to raise a family, in large part because it provides a good blend of economic opportunities and safe conditions for children,” the report said. 

Plus, the Bay state was noted for having the best job security in the country and the 10th-lowest poverty rate.