Minnesota ranked second-best state for children, first for youth support systems

Gov. Tim Walz announced in a news release Wednesday that SmileHub, a nonprofit research organization, has ranked Minnesota a top-two state for “overall support for children.”

The study, released by SmileHub on Tuesday, ranked states in four areas: health and wellness, support system strength, education system, and family and working life.

Minnesota ranked second overall in the study and first for “support system strength,” which encompasses things like child care facilities per capita and Medicaid coverage for parental programs.

“In Minnesota, we have been steadfast in our commitment to support children and families. From our nation-leading child tax credit to historic investments in education and child care, we’re making an effort to help families where it matters the most,” Walz said in the release. “The data shows that our efforts are paying off in working toward our goal of making Minnesota the best state in the nation for children.”

Minnesota also placed fourth for family and working life, eighth for health and wellness, and 37th for education system.

In the release Wednesday, Walz praised different policies he and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have enacted while in office, such as the Free School Meals for Kids program, the child tax credit, and paid family and medical leave.

“Children of all races, incomes, religions, and ZIP codes deserve equal opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. In Minnesota, we’re making this a reality,” Flanagan said. “SmileHub’s rankings reflect our work to strengthen resources for children, support middle-class families, combat long-standing inequities, and build a brighter future for Minnesota. I am proud of all we have done for our youngest Minnesotans.”

Minnesota’s neighbors landed largely in the top 50% of states. Iowa placed eighth overall, with Wisconsin 14th, North Dakota 17th and South Dakota 27th.

Massachusetts placed first overall in the study.