From quality schools to excellent health outcomes, Massachusetts provides what families need to thrive, according to a new study from WalletHub that named the Bay State the best state to raise a family in 2026.

The finance company used data from the U.S Census Bureau to score states based on metrics like family fun, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability and socioeconomics.

The Commonwealth’s public schools ranked No. 1 in the nation, boosting its overall score. Although the Bay State lagged in affordability, it offered the third-best job security in the country and the ninth-lowest poverty rate. Plus, residents earned relatively high wages.

Massachusetts shines in the areas of safety and health. The state claimed the fifth-best water quality in the country, the highest rate of children with health insurance and the third-lowest infant mortality rate. It also ranked No. 2 for overall life expectancy and had the fourth-lowest property crime rate.

“Some states provide a more supportive environment for raising a family than others,’ said WalletHub analysts. “The best states combine affordability with safety, strong job opportunities and access to quality education, healthcare and entertainment.”