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Single Mom Friendly States 2024
There are a lot of single mothers who are looking to do the best job they possibly can for their children. Even though being a single mother can be a significant challenge, there are plenty of states out there that provide single mothers with the support they need to provide their children with the best life possible. When trying to find the best possible state for a single mother, there are several factors to consider. Examples include the overall cost of living in the area, the time it takes for moms to commute to and from work, the average cost of childcare, and the average annual income for people in the state.
What Is the Best State for Single Moms?
For many years in a row, Florida has been noted as a great place for single mothers. In particular, Naples is one of the happiest, healthiest cities in the country, making it a great location for single mothers to raise their children. The average cost of childcare is relatively low, and the unemployment rate in the area is also low. That means it should be easy for a single mom to find work and locate childcare for their children. Naples also has warm weather, which is great for people who enjoy sunshine. Of course, there are plenty of fun activities in Naples as well. Examples include the Naples winter wine festival and the dozens of art galleries in the city.
State | Final Score |
|---|---|
| California | 67.1 |
| Massachusetts | 58.5 |
| Vermont | 57.3 |
| Connecticut | 55.2 |
| Utah | 55 |
| Colorado | 50.4 |
| Alaska | 50.1 |
| Minnesota | 50.1 |
| Washington | 49.5 |
| Maine | 48.3 |
Is North Carolina a Great State of Single Moms?
North Carolina is also a great state for single mothers. North Carolina is growing quickly, which means there is a very healthy job market for everyone who is looking for a job. There are also plenty of entertainment options in North Carolina, including college sports and professional sports. The overall cost of living is still relatively low in North Carolina, particularly in Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. Even though North Carolina does not have a very strong public school system for children, it has some of the best universities in the country, and they are all relatively affordable. Therefore, North Carolina could be a great location for single mothers.
What Other States Are Great for Single Moms?
There are plenty of other states that could be great for single mothers as well. For example, Kansas is often overlooked, but it is a great place for single moms. The average commute is relatively short because the traffic is light. The average cost of housing and childcare is also very low in Kansas. Many people also enjoy living in Alabama. The cost of living in Alabama is very low, and the commute to work is relatively short. Furthermore, Alabama has some coastline, so it is great for families that enjoy the beach. It is important for single mothers to think about all of these factors when they are trying to decide the best location for them and their children.
- Full index includes a number of indicators not replicated here, such as "Regional price parity (RPP)", "Protected time off for school events (hours per year)", and "Difference between average single-parent family income and child care assistance income limit (%)",
State | Final Score | Income Score | Average Single-Parent Family Income | Affordability Score | Average Commute Time (Minutes) | Average Hours Worked Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 67.1 | 82 | $60,235 | 54.9 | 30 | 38 |
| Massachusetts | 58.5 | 67.5 | $56,794 | 37.3 | 30 | 37.9 |
| Vermont | 57.3 | 61 | $46,374 | 70.3 | 24 | 37.9 |
| Connecticut | 55.2 | 73.1 | $58,529 | 39 | 27 | 37.9 |
| Utah | 55 | 75.7 | $53,774 | 59.9 | 22 | 37.1 |
| Colorado | 50.4 | 82.9 | $57,896 | 47.3 | 26 | 38.9 |
| Alaska | 50.1 | 98.2 | $59,797 | 61.5 | 20 | 41 |
| Minnesota | 50.1 | 78.7 | $55,094 | 36.1 | 24 | 38.1 |
| Washington | 49.5 | 75.9 | $56,506 | 23.1 | 28 | 38.4 |
| Maine | 48.3 | 61.5 | $45,812 | 71.6 | 24 | 38.5 |
| North Dakota | 48 | 71.6 | $49,771 | 58.1 | 18 | 39.8 |
| Rhode Island | 46.2 | 67.4 | $52,281 | 15.1 | 25 | 37.9 |
| New Jersey | 45.5 | 73.6 | $59,049 | 21.8 | 32 | 38.4 |
| South Dakota | 44.1 | 49.4 | $43,050 | 59.1 | 17 | 39.6 |
| Montana | 43.9 | 65 | $46,667 | 34.9 | 19 | 38.5 |
| New York | 43.9 | 60.2 | $52,328 | 24.1 | 33 | 37.8 |
| District of Columbia | 43.5 | 36.9 | $50,882 | 35.5 | 31 | 39.8 |
| New Hampshire | 43.5 | 87.6 | $58,724 | 35.5 | 27 | 38.5 |
| Wyoming | 43.3 | 56.3 | $44,788 | 46.7 | 18 | 39.2 |
| South Carolina | 43.1 | 35.4 | $38,616 | 84.9 | 25 | 38.9 |
| Wisconsin | 42.9 | 62.7 | $46,744 | 43.5 | 22 | 38.6 |
| Oklahoma | 42.2 | 42.6 | $38,879 | 70 | 22 | 39.3 |
| New Mexico | 42 | 42.5 | $38,928 | 57.1 | 23 | 38.1 |
| Oregon | 41.7 | 69.9 | $50,461 | 28.9 | 24 | 37.9 |
| Idaho | 41.1 | 64.8 | $46,633 | 28.8 | 21 | 38.4 |
| Maryland | 40.5 | 86.1 | $61,416 | 44.6 | 32 | 38.8 |
| Kansas | 40.4 | 50.1 | $43,271 | 47.7 | 20 | 39.2 |
| Hawaii | 40.3 | 82.4 | $57,965 | 21.6 | 27 | 38 |
| Tennessee | 39.7 | 41.5 | $40,768 | 70.5 | 25 | 39.3 |
| Nevada | 39.6 | 72.7 | $50,185 | 22.8 | 24 | 38.7 |
| Virginia | 39.4 | 67.1 | $53,555 | 46.4 | 28 | 38.8 |
| Arkansas | 39.2 | 34.1 | $36,834 | 68.9 | 22 | 39.5 |
| Delaware | 38.6 | 65.4 | $49,238 | 36.2 | 26 | 38.6 |
| Iowa | 37.4 | 43.5 | $41,156 | 38.6 | 20 | 38.9 |
| Nebraska | 37 | 51.3 | $43,879 | 29.9 | 19 | 39.2 |
| Pennsylvania | 36.9 | 54.8 | $46,831 | 43.4 | 27 | 38.6 |
| Michigan | 36.5 | 50.2 | $43,453 | 33.1 | 24 | 38.3 |
| Texas | 36.5 | 48.8 | $44,752 | 63 | 27 | 39.8 |
| North Carolina | 36.4 | 42.5 | $41,842 | 48.8 | 25 | 39.1 |
| Louisiana | 36.3 | 25.6 | $35,434 | 58.5 | 26 | 39.5 |
| Arizona | 36.1 | 63.7 | $48,549 | 32 | 26 | 38.9 |
| Illinois | 35.7 | 52.5 | $47,397 | 36.8 | 29 | 38.6 |
| Kentucky | 35 | 38.3 | $37,609 | 46.7 | 24 | 38.9 |
| Missouri | 34.8 | 50.5 | $43,355 | 32.2 | 24 | 38.8 |
| Mississippi | 34.5 | 17.1 | $31,798 | 72.8 | 25 | 39.2 |
| Indiana | 33.5 | 48.9 | $42,275 | 28.5 | 24 | 38.8 |
| Ohio | 32.8 | 40.4 | $40,856 | 30.4 | 24 | 38.5 |
| West Virginia | 31.1 | 29.6 | $34,782 | 42 | 26 | 38.6 |
| Florida | 30.1 | 56.2 | $46,118 | 22.8 | 28 | 39 |
| Alabama | 28.3 | 26.1 | $35,510 | 38.9 | 25 | 39.2 |
| Georgia | 28 | 43.6 | $43,159 | 32.8 | 29 | 39.2 |