Minnesota Shines As A Top Spot For Raising Families

Thanks to its affordability, marital fidelity and low percentage of families in poverty, Minnesota ranks among the very best in the nation when it comes to raising a family.

A recent study by WalletHub says that Minnesota is second to, well, one- Massachusetts- for families.

WHAT MAKES MINNESOTA GREAT FOR FAMILIES 

Minnesota boasts the second-highest median family income ($109,000) when adjusted for cost of living. In addition, Minnesota has the second-lowest poverty rate and the eighth-lowest wealth gap between the highest and lowest earners in the state.

“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 as much as $320,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said WalletHub's Chip Lupo. "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.”

WHY FAMILIES SHOULD COME TO MINNESOTA 

In addition to the financial benefits, Minnesota also has the fifth-highest life expectancy at birth along with the sixth-best hospitals in the country. Minnesota also provides a lot of recreational opportunities for kids, with the eighth-highest percentage of kids who live in neighborhoods with a park or playground.

Strong marriages are also present in Minnesota, with the fifth-lowest divorce/separation rate in the entire country.