Consumer Affairs named California the worst state to raise a family, citing poor affordability, education, and quality of life. Texas was ranked next to last. (GV Wire Composite/David Rodriguez)
- Consumer Affairs ranks California worst for families and Texas second worst.
- Vermont earns the top spot for quality of life, child health care access, and education.
- Want to raise a family in the West? Head to Wyoming.
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A study named California the worst state to raise a family in 2025, citing poor education, safety, affordability, and overall quality of life.
Consumer Affairs ranked California No. 51, behind Texas and New Mexico in quality of life, affordability, and safety. The study also covered Washington, D.C., which was rated 46th.
Meanwhile, Vermont earned the top spot for quality of life, child health care access, and education.
“The bottom five states for raising a family are all located in the West and South and face significant challenges in education and quality of life,” the website stated. “California ranks at the bottom, struggling with high child poverty rates, a shortage of libraries, and bad air quality.”
Western States Mostly Given Poor Rankings
The study determined rankings by weighting affordability, safety, education, pediatric health care, and quality of life. Affordability was given the greatest consideration, followed by safety, education, and health care. Quality of life — ranked by park access, air quality, and number of libraries — was given the lowest consideration.
Analysts used U.S. Census data metrics with their own data to look at food, rent, child care costs, violent crime, and education quality.
California ranked 46th for affordability, 40th for safety, 32nd for education, 17th for pediatric health care, and 50th for quality of life. While Texas scored high for affordability — 15th — its safety score (45th) education ranking (40th), and health care ranking (51st) landed it just above California. Quality of life ranked 45th in the Lone Star State.
Want to Raise a Family in the West? Head to Wyoming
The only western state to earn a top ranking was Wyoming at No. 5. The state rated high for safety, air quality, and low child poverty rates.
“One of Wyoming’s biggest draws is its affordability,” the report stated. “It ranked as the seventh-most affordable state, offering a great cost of living for families. Child care costs average $8,737 annually, which is the lowest among any state in the top five.”
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