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Minnesota Named Second Best State to Raise a Family

1/8/2018 1:36:38 PM

New study cites family finances, health and safety, and high-quality education and child care among top factors

ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota is the second best state in the nation to raise a family, according to a new study from WalletHub. The new study ranked all 50 states across 42 factors, with Minnesota scoring especially high on measures of median family income and poverty, health and safety, and high-quality schools and child care.

“Minnesota’s great schools, excellent quality of life, and good work opportunities are some of the reasons why we have been rated the second best state for families,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “But the report got one thing wrong: no other state holds a candle to Minnesota!”

Minnesota scored especially strong in median family salary, ranking first out of all 50 states. Below, see additional scoring for Minnesota in the new study:

1st – Median Family Salary (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
3rd – Percent of Families in Poverty
4th – Separation & Divorce Rate
5th – Health & Safety
7th – Housing Affordability
9th – Percent of Families with Young Kids
9th – Violent Crime Rate
11th – Education & Child Care
12th – Unemployment Rate
15th – Infant-Mortality Rate
16th – Child-Care Costs (Adjusted for Median Family Income)

Other Top Rankings

Today’s new study follows other recent recognitions of Minnesota’s successes. Below, see some of Minnesota’s other top rankings from recent years.

#1 Best-Run State

Minnesota is the best-run state in the nation, according to a study published by USA Today that cites Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and the state’s nearly perfect credit rating. Since ranking tenth in 2012, Minnesota has consistently climbed in the rankings under the same study, including ranking second last year.

#1 Best State to Retire In

Minnesota is the best state to retire, according to a study from AARP – the nation’s largest advocate for seniors. The study looked at affordability, housing, health care, quality of life, supports for family caregivers, and more.

#1 Best State for Women

Minnesota is the best state for women, according to a study from WalletHub. The study looked at women’s wages, health and safety, and economic and social well-being across all fifty states.

#2 Best State for Families

Minnesota is the #2 Best State to Raise a Family, according to a report from WalletHub. The study looked at family salaries, education opportunities, family fun, health and safety, affordability, unemployment rates, and more.

#3 Best State for Business

Minnesota is America’s #3 Best State for Business in 2017, according to a report released by CNBC. Minnesota moved into the third spot this year, after placing fourth in 2016 and coming in first as America’s Top State for Business in 2015.

#3 Best State Overall

Minnesota is the #3 Best State in America, according to a study from U.S. News and World Report. The study cited economic opportunities, great educations, and quality health care in Minnesota. It also ranked Minnesota as the #1 Best State in the Region, when compared to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri.

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