Each state is not the same when it comes to how much it costs to raise a family. When you’re raising a family as a single parent, the cost of doing so can be even more important. Whether you’re a soon-to-be single parent, or a single parent looking to move, GOBankingRates offers the following insights.
Best States for Single Parents to Raise Children
New Jersey
Median Household Income: $72,093 (third-highest in the nation)
State Support: Expanded Medicaid, earned-income tax credit and paid family leave program
Rhode Island
Median Household Income: $56,852
State Support: Expanded Medicaid, earned-income tax credit and paid family leave program
Michigan
Average home listing price and grocery costs are among the lowest in the nation
State Support: Expanded Medicaid and earned-income tax credit
Washington
No state income tax allows single parents to keep more of their pay
State Support: Expanded Medicaid, earned-income tax credit and paid family leave program (effective 2019)
Illinois
Fourth-lowest employee contribution amount for employer-sponsored family health coverage
State Support: Expanded Medicaid and earned-income tax credit
Worst States for Single Parents to Raise Children
Florida
Low median household income: $47,507
Does not offer single-parent support systems
Mississippi
Lowest median household income in the nation: $39,665
Does not offer single-parent support systems
Alabama
Fourth-highest family health coverage costs: $5,606
Does not offer single-parent support systems
South Carolina
Ninth-lowest median household income: $45,483
Does not offer single-parent support systems
North Carolina
10th-lowest median household income: $46,868
Does not offer single-parent support systems
*Single-parent support systems include expanded Medicaid, an earned-income tax credit or a guaranteed paid family leave program.
Source: GOBankingRates
