While Georgia may be known for its music, arts scene and various business opportunities, it’s not the state to settle down in, according to a new analysis by WalletHub.
The finance company reported Monday that Georgia ranked as the 40th-best state in the country to raise a family.
The company compared all 50 U.S. states across five key dimensions, each worth 20 points — health and safety, education and child care, affordability, family fun and socio-economics. From there, the dimensions were evaluated using 50 metrics, including median annual family income, housing affordability, crime rate and school quality.
Georgia’s total metric score was 45.25, placing it over 20 points lower than the top-ranked state, Massachusetts (68.88), and roughly 13 points higher than the lowest-rated state, New Mexico (32.40).
Out of the five key dimensions, The Peach State’s highest state ranking was under family fun (21st), with its lowest being under affordability (46th). The state also ranked 43rd, 34th and 33rd in the U.S. under health and safety, education and child care and socio-economics, respectively.
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the rankings show how cost affordability in raising a family has been drastically affected in recent years.
“In fact, it can cost a family well over $300,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” he said. “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.”
WalletHub contributor and mental health expert Monica Oxford also states that a major factor in determining a state’s quality for raising a family is how it handles issues related to individual freedoms, such as abortion or gender-affirming care.
“Even if parents cannot predict their child’s future needs, it is wise to settle in a state that values personal freedoms,” Oxford noted.
“States that prioritize autonomy and individual rights often achieve better health and well-being outcomes for pregnant people, children, and families. Conversely, states that ban abortion, for instance, tend to score poorly on well-being, education, health, and mental health indices.”
Consequentially, no Southern states, a region known for its conservative politics, ranked in the top 20 of the analysis, with Virginia one number shy at 21.
“These factors also can impact how families feel about their fit with their communities and how they are perceived by their neighbors,” added WalletHub contributor and education and human development expert Daniel J. Puhlman. “These are essential factors that families should consider when thinking about where they want to live.”
