Being a single parent is already one of the hardest jobs in the world. Between managing work, child care, bills, and emotional well-being, it often feels like you’re running a marathon without a finish line. But where you live can make a huge difference in how manageable that race feels.

A new 2025 analysis from Quartz ranked all 50 U.S. states on how supportive they are for single parents. The report examined key factors like child-care affordability, housing costs, paid family leave, safety, and access to early education. The findings show a clear picture: some states make single parenting just a little more doable, while others leave parents struggling to stay afloat.

If you’re a single mom or dad wondering how your state measures up or thinking about where you might have a better chance at stability, this breakdown will help.

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The Top 5 Best States for Single Parents in 2025

1. Maine – Score: 81.53

Maine topped the list as the most supportive state for single parents. What makes it so strong? Affordable child care, access to paid family leave, and a low violent crime rate all help families feel secure. The state also offers one of the nation’s best pre-K enrollment rates, giving parents both peace of mind and time to work.

Maine’s smaller population and focus on community-based resources create a family-friendly environment where single parents can thrive. In short, it proves that even a rural state can be progressive when it comes to family support.

2. Wisconsin – Score: 64.23

Wisconsin’s standout feature is housing affordability. Combined with high pre-K enrollment (around 78%) and manageable work hours, single parents here have more breathing room than in most states.

The only major drawback is the absence of statewide paid family leave, but strong local programs and community-level support partially make up for it. Wisconsin shows how balanced living costs can ease the daily pressure single parents face.

3. Iowa – Score: 63.99

Iowa continues to be one of the most affordable places in the U.S. to raise a family, especially for single parents. Housing and child care costs are among the lowest in the nation. The state’s low violent-crime rate adds another layer of stability, helping parents feel safer raising their children there.

While Iowa could improve on paid family leave and public pre-K access, it remains one of the Midwest’s strongest options for single parents seeking security and balance.

4. South Dakota – Score: 61.96

South Dakota ranks high for both housing and child care affordability, two factors that immediately impact a single parent’s quality of life. The trade-off is limited access to public pre-K programs, which makes early education planning a bit harder.

Still, when your rent and daycare costs don’t swallow half your paycheck, there’s room to save, invest in your kids, or simply breathe easier. South Dakota proves that affordability still matters as much as policy.

5. Maryland – Score: 61.85

Maryland is one of only two states in the top five that offers paid family leave, a game-changer for single parents managing both newborns and work. Its residents benefit from solid income levels and moderate work hours, though housing affordability remains a challenge.

Strong education systems and access to healthcare round out Maryland’s appeal. For single parents, this balance of income, leave, and safety nets makes Maryland one of the few East Coast states where single-parent families can realistically find stability.

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The 5 Hardest States for Single Parents in 2025

46. Tennessee – Score: 40.58

Tennessee’s major challenges include long work hours, limited access to paid leave, and one of the highest violent-crime rates in the country. While housing costs are moderate, the lack of early-childhood programs and safety concerns drag its ranking down.

47. Arizona – Score: 40.07

Arizona offers relatively affordable child care compared to its western neighbors, but high violent-crime rates and poor access to public pre-K programs make it tough for single parents. Without paid family leave, many working parents are left without coverage during critical times like childbirth or illness.

48. California – Score: 39.22

California does have one big win, paid family leave, but that benefit is overshadowed by extreme housing costs. With rent and mortgages consuming a large portion of a single parent’s income, many families live paycheck to paycheck. The state’s long work hours and high cost of living make it difficult for single parents to maintain balance, even with generous social programs.

49. Hawaii – Score: 38.52

Hawaii’s paradise image hides a tough reality for single parents: sky-high housing and living costs. Even with relatively strong community values, many parents struggle to afford stable housing or early-childhood education options. The lack of accessible public pre-K programs only adds to the strain.

50. Louisiana – Score: 33.18

Louisiana ranks last on the list, with some of the highest rates of single-parent households, violent crime, and housing costs relative to income. The absence of paid family leave and limited childcare affordability make survival, not progress, the daily goal for many parents.

Louisiana’s ranking highlights the need for policy change. Without stronger safety nets, single parents in the state face nearly impossible odds.

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How These Rankings Were Calculated

The 2025 Quartz analysis based its findings on seven critical factors that directly affect single parents’ quality of life:

1. Child-Care Affordability – The percentage of a single parent’s income required for standard child care.
2. Housing Affordability – The cost of rent or mortgage relative to income.
3. Paid Family Leave – Whether the state mandates paid leave and for how long.
4. Violent Crime Rate – Measured by the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
5. Access to Public Pre-K – Availability and affordability of early education programs.
6. Average Work Hours – Typical weekly workload for single parents.
7. Percentage of Single-Parent Households – Indicates community scale and potential resource needs.

Each factor was weighted equally and scored on a 0–100 scale using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Child Care Aware of America, the FBI Crime Data Explorer, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Paid family leave received additional points for states with comprehensive, statewide programs.

The result? A clear, data-driven snapshot of which states give single parents a fighting chance, and which still have a long way to go.

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What This Means for You

This ranking isn’t just about bragging rights for Maine or a warning for Louisiana, it’s a reality check. The state you live in shapes everything from your monthly budget to your child’s opportunities.

But even if your state ranks low, you are not powerless. There are community resources, nonprofit programs, and federal tools that can help bridge the gap. At Single Parent Bible, we’ve built state-by-state pages filled with verified links to housing support, legal aid, food programs, and emotional-wellness resources.

Check your state’s page, bookmark it, and share it with another single parent who might need it. Because no matter where your state ranks, you deserve access to real help and hope.

With compassion,
Eryndor
Founder, Single Parent Bible
admin@singleparentbible.com