A recent study from WalletHub just released the best and worst states to raise a family in 2026 – weighing each state’s affordability, safety, strong job opportunities, access to education, health care and entertainment.

New Jersey ranked No. 14 behind neighboring states New York, who ranked No. 6, Connecticut No. 7. Pennsylvania ranked No. 12.

The Garden State ranked in the top 5 on median family income, infant mortality rate and divorce rate.

Massachusetts came out on top followed by Minnesota and North Dakota. New Mexico ranked last on the list.