Colorado has long been considered a great place to live, offering beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and a generally high quality of life. However, while many Coloradans feel their state is an excellent place to raise a family, a new study suggests that 10 other states might be even better.
A recent WalletHub study ranked the best states for families in 2025 based on various factors such as education, health care, safety, childcare, and affordability. While Colorado secured the 11th spot, it fell behind several other states that ranked higher in key areas.
How the Rankings Were Determined
WalletHub’s ranking system took into account multiple factors that contribute to a family-friendly environment, including:
Family Fun & Activities – Access to parks, museums, and entertainment options
Health & Safety – Crime rates, healthcare facilities, and air quality
Education & Childcare – Public school rankings, daycare quality, and higher education opportunities
Affordability – Cost of living, housing prices, and income levels
Each state was given a composite score based on these factors, determining how well they cater to families. While Colorado scored well in outdoor recreation and education, it fell short in affordability and overall safety.
The 10 States That Ranked Better Than Colorado in 2025
The top 10 states that ranked ahead of Colorado as the best places to raise a family in 2025 are:
Massachusetts – Ranked #1, Massachusetts scored highest in education and healthcare, making it the best state for families.
Minnesota – Known for its high quality of life, Minnesota excelled in affordability and family-friendly activities.
North Dakota – Low crime rates and strong public education helped North Dakota secure the #3 spot.
Nebraska – This state ranked high in education and childcare affordability.
New Hampshire – Scoring well in safety and economic stability, New Hampshire landed at #5.
New York – Despite its high cost of living, New York made the list due to educational opportunities and family activities.
Illinois – Strong public schools and accessible healthcare boosted Illinois to #7.
Wisconsin – With low crime rates and quality education, Wisconsin ranked #8.
Maine – Known for its safe communities and outdoor lifestyle, Maine took the #9 spot.
Connecticut – A balance of education, safety, and family resources placed Connecticut in 10th place.
While Colorado scored well in education and outdoor activities, it fell behind these states due to rising housing costs, urban crime rates, and cost of living increases.
Why Colorado Ranked Just Outside the Top 10
Although Colorado still ranked high at #11, several challenges prevented it from breaking into the top 10:
Affordability Concerns – Rising home prices and increasing rent costs have made it more difficult for families to find affordable housing.
Traffic & Infrastructure – Congestion in major cities like Denver and Boulder continues to be a problem.
Crime & Safety Issues – While most of Colorado remains safe, urban crime rates have risen in some areas.
However, Colorado excelled in education and outdoor recreation, offering families access to some of the best schools and a wide variety of activities, including hiking, skiing, and national parks.
Which States Performed the Worst?
While some states ranked as the best places for families, others landed at the bottom of the list. According to WalletHub, the worst states for families in 2025 include:
New Mexico (#50) – Ranked as the least family-friendly state due to low education scores and high crime rates.
Mississippi (#49) – Poor healthcare and limited educational opportunities placed Mississippi near the bottom.
West Virginia (#48) – A struggling economy and declining population contributed to its low ranking.
Nevada (#47) – High crime rates and limited public school funding hurt Nevada’s score.
Oklahoma (#46) – Low wages and a high cost of living for families kept Oklahoma near the bottom.
While these states struggle with key family-friendly factors, Colorado remains one of the better choices for raising a family, even if it didn’t make the top 10.
What This Means for Colorado Families
While Colorado remains an attractive place to raise a family, affordability and safety concerns continue to impact its ranking. Families considering a move may look to states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, or North Dakota for better overall conditions.
However, with excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and a strong job market, Colorado still offers plenty of benefits for those who call it home. As the state addresses issues like housing costs and crime, it could see its ranking improve in future years.
For now, families in Colorado can take comfort in knowing that while their state isn’t the absolute best, it remains one of the top choices for raising children in 2025.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.