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The most family-friendly US states
Based on current data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the editors of "World Population Review," "WalletHub," Forbes, and Newsweek have compiled new rankings of the most family-friendly US states. We summarize the most important findings.
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Top 10 US states with the largest families
According to the U.S. Census, the ten states in the USA with the largest family units are:
- Utah
- California
- Hawaii
- Texas
- Alaska
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Louisiana
Sociologist Bethany Gull from the Department of Applied Sociology at Utah Tech spoke to Newsweek about the reasons for large households in certain US states. She explained that religious and economic as well as cultural and political factors play a role.
For example, Gull explained that Mormon families have more children than the national average. According to the Pew Research Center, 55 % of adults in Utah are Mormon. Catholic families also tend to have slightly higher birthrates than the national average, especially among Hispanic Catholic families, which are found in large numbers in both Texas and California.
In addition, politicians in some states are more pro-family than others. Utah, along with 14 other states, has enacted legislation for a state child tax credit and established an Office for Families to assist parents. Initiatives in child-friendly states range from providing resources for homeschooling to labor market and education policies.
What stands out on the Family Map is that Hawaii ranks third among US states with the largest families. This is due to a combination of cultural, economic, and social factors. Hawaii's culture is strongly influenced by Polynesian and Filipino traditions, which traditionally emphasize close family ties and larger households.
The high cost of living in Hawaii also means that family members often live together, and in many Hawaiian cultures it is common for grandparents and other relatives to help with child care, further encouraging larger households.
The best US states to start a family
Although the Northeast is home to the smallest families according to the U.S. Census, a comparison by WalletHub from January 2024 found that over half of the top ten US states for starting a family are located in the Northeast:
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New York
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- South Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Several factors explain this family-friendly ranking. The Northeastern states offer some of the best educational institutions and childcare options in the US, and access to quality health care is excellent.
Many Northeastern states also have low crime rates, robust economies, and ample job opportunities. This contributes to a stable and safe living environment that is attractive to families.
The best US cities for starting a family
The Forbes magazine has also compiled a family ranking for the USA from the latest figures and even broken it down to individual cities in the USA. According to the analyses, which place a strong focus on the average family income in each location, the best US cities for starting a family are:
- Fremont, California
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Irvine, California
- Plano, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Gilbert, Arizona
- San Jose, California
- San Diego, California
- Boise, Idaho
- Huntington Beach, California
The family-friendly states of North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota appear in the Forbes list only at #11 (Bismarck, North Dakota), #16 (Lincoln, Nebraska), #20 (Sioux Falls, South Dakota), #22 (Omaha, Nebraska), and #24 (Fargo, North Dakota).
Besides Texas and California, Hawaii (Urban Honolulu, 12th) is the only other US state with the largest families in the ranking. It is clear, then, that a state with large families is not automatically a family-friendly state.
Immigrating to the USA as a family
Choosing where to live in the US depends not only on Forbes rankings and dry U.S. Census figures, but also on the needs of your family. Therefore, try to get a feel for the people, customs, and lifestyle in the place of your choice.
Moving to the USA with your family is a big step and requires careful planning and preparation. Before you immigrate to the United States, consider the following:
- The Green Card is essential for permanent residence and a work permit in the USA. Regularly participate in the US government's Green Card Lottery to obtain the coveted US immigrant visa.
- Take advantage of the “DoubleChance” for married couples! Spouses and unmarried children under 21 will also automatically receive a Green Card if they are included in your Green Card Lottery application. This also applies to same-sex spouses.
- Spend as much time together as possible in the regions that interest you. The inexpensive ESTA application is suitable for joint vacation trips to the USA.
- Note that the quality of US educational institutions may vary by county. Websites like nces.ed.gov from the National Center for Education Statistics can help you find the best regions for your children's education.
- Take out reliable travel health insurance to cover your family during the initial period.
- Use trusted websites such as Zillow, Trulia, ForRent, and Rent.com to find an apartment or house in the USA.
- Research landlords and sellers thoroughly, and get renting or buying insurance to protect yourself against potential financial loss.
- Choose a reliable moving company that handles international moves and plan your move to the USA in detail.
How do people live in the USA?
Housing styles in the USA vary greatly, ranging from spacious single-family homes in suburbs to high-rise apartments in bustling cities. American homes often have amenities that are considered luxuries in Europe, such as fireplaces, air conditioning, large gardens and plenty of parking space.
However, the US housing market has changed significantly over the last 20 years and shows a clear trend towards rental housing. In the US, it is also not uncommon for families to move frequently. There are therefore numerous moving companies and DIY options (such as U-Haul) that specialize in moving within the country.
In addition, apartments and houses are usually already equipped with furniture, which can make moving a lot easier. So if during your first few months in the USA you realize that you would prefer to live in another US state or city, nothing stands in your way!
Immigrating to the USA — how it works!
Do you have further questions about immigrating to the USA? Then you are sure to find what you are looking for in our guides:
