Iowa Ranks in the Top 10 of Best States to Raise a Family

We've got it pretty good here in Iowa. The 'Hawkeye State' ranks in the top ten of best states to raise a family.

According to a new survey published by WalletHub.com, Iowa sits eighth overall as the best state to put down roots and watch your family grow. In fact, Iowa was one of four Midwest states that made the top ten.

BEST STATES TO RAISE A FAMILY:

1. Massachusetts
2. Minnesota
3. New Hampshire
4. North Dakota
5. Vermont
6. Wisconsin
7. New York
8. Iowa 
9. Nebraska
10. California

According to their web site, "WalletHub compared the 50 states across 42 key indicators of family-friendliness. WalletHub compared five key dimensions: 1) Family Fun, 2) Health & Safety, 3) Education & Child Care, 4) Affordability and 5) Socio-economics.."

Breaking down the different areas WalletHub focused on, Iowa ranked as number one for affordable housing, second for infant-mortality race, and fourth for family salary.

Raising a Family in Iowa (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

• 15th – % of Families with Young Kids
• 15th – Child-Care Costs (Adjusted for Median Family Income)
• 2nd – Infant-Mortality Rate
• 4th – Median Family Salary (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
• 16th – Violent-Crime Rate
• 10th – % of Families in Poverty
• 1st – Housing Affordability
• 9th – Unemployment Rate
• 8th – Separation & Divorce Rate

The biggest knock against our great state, 'Family Fun'. That sank to a 38th place ranking. Alright, I'll buy that. I've lived in Iowa my entire life, so I get that what we like to do for fun might not be everyone else's cup of tea. To me honest, I'm not much for a cup of tea anyway. Cookouts, Busch Lights, camping, dirt tracks, hunting, fishing, craft shows, antiquing, carousals,  and blowing stuff up isn't for everyone.