In WalletHub’s 2025 report ranking the best states to raise a family, New Mexico landed in last place out of 50 states, with an overall score of 32.40.
The report, which analyzed 50 key indicators of family-friendliness, painted a concerning picture for families in the Land of Enchantment.
The report evaluated states across five dimensions: Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability, and Socio-economics. New Mexico scored poorly across the board, particularly in education and child care, where it ranked dead last at 50th.
This dimension considered metrics like public school quality, graduation rates, and child-care availability—areas where New Mexico continues to struggle despite the so-called “free” (taxpayer-funded) daycare passed by the Democrat-dominated Legislature, which currently has a $9 billion “trust fund.”
According to WalletHub, the state also ranks 47th in both Health & Safety and Socio-economics. Factors such as high crime rates, low median family income (adjusted for cost of living), and a significant percentage of families living in poverty contributed to these low scores. For context, the median family income in New Mexico is among the lowest in the nation, and families face substantial economic challenges.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, explained the broader challenges families face nationwide. “Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly. In fact, it can cost a family well over $300,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In light of the expensive nature of being a parent and the responsibility it entails, it’s important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety, and opportunities for enrichment,” Lupo said.
New Mexico also struggles with affordability, ranking 44th, and is noted for being a state where many families find it difficult to save for college or manage medical bills. Moreover, the state ranks 39th in Family Fun, reflecting limited recreational opportunities for children and families compared to higher-ranking states.
While New Mexico offers cultural richness and natural beauty, this report underscores the need for significant investment in public education, economic development, and public safety.
This is no surprise, our state leaders are in a race to control it citizens, the final victory will when NM citizens will have the same standards as Russians did in the 70s and 80s.
Just another dismal failure by Marxist politicians who only care about staying in power. By creating these social conditions in NM through bad policies and over regulations/ taxation they have assured a bleak future for NM’s children. ALL of their policies are proven failures in other states and countries. We have become mini California and just look how wonderful communists have made that state now lying in ashes and ruin! Is it a coincidence that our (s)elected “leaders” all have the same philosophy or do they all come from the same Marxist training schools ie , emerge, Frankfurt? In the interim the exodus of good people leaving the state continues as NM s “leaders” tax and regulate their mostly poverty stricken subjects into further misery .
Great points Norteno.
Our state leaders want control of its citizens they have no intention on educating them. It’s always been that way.
Sad. This is why we need a Republican governor and a Republican legislature.
Not really news. The vast majority of New Mexico’s kids have to move out of state to find jobs and raise their own families.
It’s always been that way.
This is why we left NM. Love the state, but it is not for families. It’s for liberal retirees, not families.