Massachusetts is the best state for women in 2026, according to a WalletHub study that broke down 2026 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Health drove the state’s ranking. Massachusetts claimed the largest share of women with good or better health. Only 2% of Bay State women lacked health insurance, according to the study. Plus, Massachusetts women some of those most able to afford healthcare in the United States.
“I think Massachusetts is a great place for women to live,” Lamacchia Realty’s Nicole Vermillion told Boston Agent Magazine. “Access to excellent employment opportunities, top-tier education and phenomenal healthcare are some of the main reasons. Moreover, Massachusetts has very progressive public policy, making it a safe place for women to live, advance their career and possibly choose to raise a family. Workplace equality, family-leave policies and protections around reproductive rights are also important.”
Possibly due to these solid health outcomes, the Commonwealth ranked No. 2 nationwide for life expectancy for women.
Single-women homeowners
From healthcare to economic resources, Bay State women have what they need to thrive, which may explain a burgeoning trend — single-female homebuyers.
The single-female demographic owns 13.32% of housing units in the Commonwealth, according to Lending Tree’s analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey. This ownership rate far outweighs that of single males, who only own about 8.94% of housing units statewide.
“There are a few factors contributing to this, and they are financial, cultural and behavioral,” said Vermillion. “Women are often financially independent and do not need another income to purchase. Women are statistically waiting longer to marry as well, but that doesn’t mean their goals of homeownership are put off.”
As someone who works with single-female homebuyers, Vermillion has unique insight into their choices.
“Single, female homebuyers are very wise,” she said. “They understand that real estate is a wealth builder. They are educating themselves first about the process and making smart decisions. I love to see single women buy any kind of property but love to see women buying multi-family investment properties, and I’m seeing more and more women trying to do that. I have more and more single women attending my homebuyer workshops too. Education is power when it comes to buying a home, and these are some powerful women. I love to see it!”