As Women’s History Month unfolds, a new WalletHub study ranks the best and worst states for women in 2025, analyzing 25 key indicators like earnings, health care quality, and safety. While Massachusetts claims the top spot, New York ranks 4th, excelling in economic and health factors.
Top 10 Best States for Women in 2025
According to WalletHub’s report, these are the top states where women enjoy the highest quality of life:
| Rank | State | Overall Score | Economic & Social Well-Being Rank | Health Care & Safety Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 77.22 | 4 | 1 |
| 2 | Minnesota | 77.15 | 1 | 7 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 76.82 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | New York | 74.50 | 7 | 2 |
| 5 | Maryland | 72.72 | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | Maine | 72.71 | 3 | 12 |
| 7 | Vermont | 70.36 | 12 | 8 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 70.23 | 14 | 3 |
| 9 | Washington | 70.20 | 6 | 13 |
| 10 | Hawaii | 69.91 | 13 | 5 |
Why Massachusetts Ranks #1 for Women
Massachusetts leads the nation due to its low female unemployment rate, high access to quality health care, and strong family support systems:
- Lowest uninsured rate for women (2.1%)
- Top-ranked hospitals for women’s health care
- Best state for working moms and childbearing
How New York Performs
New York stands out for:
- 12th in Median Earnings for Women (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
- 11th in Women-Owned Businesses
- 9th in Female Uninsured Rate
- 4th in Life Expectancy for Women
The Worst States for Women in 2025
WalletHub’s study also highlights states that struggle with economic opportunities and access to health care for women. The bottom five states are:
- Mississippi (#51)
- Oklahoma (#50)
- Arkansas (#49)
- Louisiana (#48)
- Texas (#47)
These states rank poorly due to higher female unemployment, lower earnings, and limited access to quality health care.
Expert Insights on Women’s Well-Being
Experts suggest that strong workplace policies, equal pay laws, and better access to education can improve conditions for women across the U.S. According to Professor Elizabeth Smith (Furman University):
“A state-level public policy agenda should promote equal opportunities, including protection against discrimination, strong educational systems, and access to quality health care.”
Final Thoughts
While some states provide better opportunities for women, disparities remain. The best states prioritize economic security, health care access, and workplace equity—key factors in making the U.S. a fairer place for women.
Want to see how your state ranks? Check out WalletHub’s full report here.
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