As Women’s History Month kicks off in March, the U.S. reflects on strides toward gender equality—yet the journey remains uneven. A new WalletHub study reveals stark differences in how states support women’s quality of life, spotlighting the top and bottom performers across economic, health, and safety metrics.
WalletHub’s analysis digs into factors like women’s earnings, unemployment rates, poverty levels, and the prevalence of women-owned businesses. It also examines healthcare access, abortion policies, hospital quality, insurance coverage, mental health trends, and homicide rates impacting women. “Even with progress, women still trail men in economic opportunities, leadership roles, and political representation,” notes WalletHub analyst Milvionne Chery Copeland. “The standout states go beyond addressing these gaps—they prioritize top-notch healthcare, equal education access, and safe communities.”
The Best States for Women
Massachusetts tops the list, excelling in economic opportunities and healthcare quality. With a robust network of women’s hospitals and progressive policies, it sets a high bar. Vermont follows, boasting low poverty and unemployment rates among women, plus strong safety measures. New York secures third place, driven by high earnings and a significant share of women-owned businesses—about 1 in 3 statewide. Minnesota ranks fourth, with top marks in political representation and economic security, while Maine rounds out the top five, shining in safety and healthcare access.
Massachusetts tops the list, excelling in economic opportunities and healthcare quality. With a robust network of women’s hospitals and progressive policies, it sets a high bar. Vermont follows, boasting low poverty and unemployment rates among women, plus strong safety measures. New York secures third place, driven by high earnings and a significant share of women-owned businesses—about 1 in 3 statewide. Minnesota ranks fourth, with top marks in political representation and economic security, while Maine rounds out the top five, shining in safety and healthcare access.
The Worst States for Women
New Mexico lands at the bottom, plagued by the nation’s highest female homicide rate—over 2.5 times the national average—and the highest share of women in poverty at nearly 20%. Alabama follows, struggling with low earnings and limited healthcare access. Oklahoma ranks third-worst, with weak economic prospects and safety concerns. Mississippi fares poorly too, marked by high uninsured rates and unemployment among women. Texas closes out the bottom five, where low median earnings and restricted reproductive healthcare drag down its score.
New Mexico lands at the bottom, plagued by the nation’s highest female homicide rate—over 2.5 times the national average—and the highest share of women in poverty at nearly 20%. Alabama follows, struggling with low earnings and limited healthcare access. Oklahoma ranks third-worst, with weak economic prospects and safety concerns. Mississippi fares poorly too, marked by high uninsured rates and unemployment among women. Texas closes out the bottom five, where low median earnings and restricted reproductive healthcare drag down its score.
Nationwide, women face persistent challenges: they account for over two-thirds of minimum-wage workers and hold just 28% of congressional seats despite making up half the population. The states excelling in this ranking show what’s possible when policies prioritize women’s needs. For those at the bottom, the data signals an urgent call to action. As Women’s History Month unfolds, these findings underscore both the progress made and the gaps still left to bridge.