Marga Yuzon
Being a father is a demanding job — balancing work with family life, making sure the kids are healthy and happy, and finding time for yourself. However, not all places in America offer the same quality of life and support for hardworking dads.
To determine the best and worst states for working dads, WalletHub compared all U.S. states across four key dimensions: economic & social well-being, work-life balance, childcare, and health. They used 21 relevant metrics, grading each on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the best conditions for dads. Each state’s scores across these metrics were averaged to calculate an overall score and rank.
Here are the best and worst states for working dads. We’ll analyze their index scores, highlighting their strengths and pointing out areas where they fall short.
1. Massachusetts
Massachusetts tops the list with a score of 76.54 points. It’s unbeatable with its stable economic conditions (with only 2.8% of residents without a job) and the second-lowest poverty rate in the nation.
In Massachusetts, you have access to excellent school systems and parental leave policies. Finally, healthcare is a breeze — with almost all men insured and the second-highest percentage of men in good health, dads in Massachusetts can focus on what matters most: their families.
2. District of Columbia (D.C.)
The District of Columbia comes in 2nd for working dads, earning a score of 76.22. It has a strong economy with a low unemployment rate (2.2%) among dads. D.C. also offers the best childcare centers in the country, which makes it easier for dads to find trusted guardians and manage work-life balance.
Since it’s the 4th best state in terms of work-life balance and health, D.C. dads can find time for anything, from career goals to fun family trips. On top of that, D.C. is a leader in men’s health, physical activity, and pediatricians per capita.
3. Connecticut
Connecticut holds the third-highest rank for working dads, with 69.08 points. It’s 8th in economic and social well-being, 8th in work-life balance, 3rd in child care, and 5th in health. Connecticut has the 2nd best school system in America and many accredited childcare centers. Plus, 76% of working men are economically secure, which means they can cover all their basic expenses and still save a bit.
Connecticut is also a great place for men’s health, with nearly 87% of men in good or better health and one of the lowest suicide rates in the country. This means most working dads in this state like to keep their bodies and brains healthy.
4. New Jersey
New Jersey is in fourth place, scoring 68.02 points out of 100. The “Garden State” offers a winning combo for working fathers: a booming economy (4th highest median family income), considerations for work-life balance (ranked 3rd), and decent childcare options (10th).
With more money in their pockets and flexible work schedules, New Jersey dads can find time for both their careers and their families.
5. Minnesota
Minnesota takes fifth place among all U.S. states with a score of 64.22. It has particularly high marks in economic and social well-being (2nd) and health (3rd). Minnesotan families thrive with the 3rd highest median family income and a remarkably low percentage of kids living in poverty (3rd lowest).
Furthermore, men in Minnesota enjoy a long life expectancy, ranking 3rd highest in the nation. These factors all contribute to a strong sense of well-being for residents of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
6. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the 6th best state for working fathers in America. Its index of 63.15 reflects its strong work-life balance policies, ranking 4th best in the country. It’s perfect for stay-at-home dads because they get generous parental leaves and the option to work remotely with flexible arrangements (depending on the company).
Beyond work-life balance, Rhode Island has an impressive childcare network with a high number of accredited childcare workers. However, there’s a downside: childcare is a little expensive in this state. Plus, the unemployment rate and the number of uninsured folks are a bit high.
7. Wisconsin
Wisconsin clocks in at #7 on the list. It earned a score of 60.16 overall and shines in the work-life balance indicator (ranking 9th). This is likely due to parental leave policies, the average time fathers spend on childcare, and manageable work hours and commutes (all part of the work-life balance score).
Things are pretty good for dads in Wisconsin, as its economics, childcare, and health indicators are all within the top 15 rankings.
8. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the eighth-best state regarding overall support for working fathers, with a score of 60.12. This ranking reveals an interesting mix of strengths and weaknesses.
On the positive side, New Hampshire snags a third-place finish in economic and social well-being. The state also has the lowest percentage of poor children in the country. Childcare access ranks a high fifth, so working dads have more than enough options for quality childcare.
However, New Hampshire ranks 40th in work-life balance, suggesting areas for improvement in parental leave, work hours, and commute times. This may lead to difficulties for fathers with full-time jobs who also want to care for their kids.
9. Illinois
Illinois secures the ninth-highest spot with a score of 59.10. Although this Midwestern state has an impressive foundation (it ranks 10th for economic well-being and has the 5th highest median family income), work-life balance lags behind at 16th place.
This suggests room for improvement in parental leave policies, work hours, or commute times — all factors that can make it difficult for a working dad to achieve a healthy balance between their job and family. The good news? Illinois offers decent access to childcare (ranked 9th) and a respectable showing in health (23rd).
10. Virginia
With a score of 58.98, Virginia lands at number 10 in the research. While most families in Virginia are financially secure (ranking 4th in economic well-being), work-life balance lags behind at 24th.
However, Virginia offers decent access to childcare (13th) and healthcare (21st). Overall, Virginia offers good financial conditions for fathers but lacks work-life balance policies found in other states.
5 Worst States for Working Dads
Aside from the best states, the WalletHub study also examined the worst states for working dads using the same factors. States with poor scores might not be able to provide a supportive environment for fathers and their families to thrive.
Let’s explore these states and how they affect dads trying to balance their professional and personal lives.
1. New Mexico
New Mexico’s score of 30.74 makes it the worst state for American dads to work in. WalletHub’s survey reports low scores in all categories, with the lowest economic stability (51st), limited childcare options (49th), and below-average health outcomes (44th).
Moreover, New Mexico’s work-life balance ranking falls short at 38th. It’s tough for dads in New Mexico to juggle work and family duties. If you’re a dad seeking an accommodating workplace, finding a job in this state is not ideal.
2. West Virginia
The second worst state for working dads is West Virginia, with a score of 31.36 out of 100. The state faces problems across the board: economic well-being (47th), work-life balance (45th), childcare access (50th), and health (49th) all fall below the national average.
These factors combined create a difficult environment for working fathers in West Virginia.
3. Mississippi
Mississippi was given the third lowest score (33.93) among all American states. The state’s major shortcomings lie in health-related factors (50th) and work-life balance (49th). These weaknesses contribute to negative outcomes for men’s well-being, including a high amount of uninsured residents, low life expectancy, and mental and physical health issues.
Plus, unlike in other places, fathers in the workforce aren’t granted affordable healthcare. Mississippi’s below-average rank underscores the need for more support.
4. Nevada
Nevada is in the fourth-to-last position on our list, with a score of 34.38. While work-life balance sits at a decent 23rd, the state stumbles in important areas for working fathers, particularly in childcare (this dimension is in last place, 51st).
This means Nevada’s high childcare costs, relative to median family income, create a financial burden for working fathers. With few childcare workers and a lack of accredited daycare centers, Nevada offers limited options for busy families. Lastly, with the state’s inadequate school systems, you’d be concerned about your kids’ educational opportunities.
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is fifth from the bottom of the list with a score of 34.85. It’s below average in terms of economic well-being (44th), work-life balance (47th), childcare (43rd), and health outcomes (48th). Expensive medical consultations can delay the treatment of health concerns.
Limited access to hubs for physical activity, like sports centers and gyms, can also affect well-being. Overall, Oklahoma’s low ranking implies that working fathers and their families don’t always get the support they need.
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Marga is a freelance content writer. She creates informative and engaging blog articles about entertainment, travel, and simple living.
Aside from writing, Marga’s background in psychology fuels her work in education and training, where she nurtures her love for lifelong learning.
Find all her published work on Muck Rack.