WalletHub’s 2026 study placed Massachusetts at the summit of states that support working fathers, edging out New Jersey and Washington, D.C. The ranking draws on 22 metrics ranging from median family income to child‑care costs, health outcomes and parental‑leave policies.

Massachusetts’ $129,500 median family income fuels top ranking

According to the WalletHub report, families in Massachusetts with a father present earn a median $129,500, the sixth‑highest figure nationwide. This strong earning power, combined with the third‑lowest child‑poverty rate of 5.1%, gives dads a solid economic base for raising children.

The state also boasts the nation’s best school system, which the study cites as a key factor for fathers who value education outcomes when choosing a place to live.

New Jersey’s accredited child‑care network secures second place

New Jersey ranked second, largely because it hosts the highest number of nationally accredited child‑care centers and the second‑best school system, per WalletHub. The report notes that 76% of working men in the Garden State feel economically secure, meaning they can cover basic expenses while building assets.

Health metrics bolster New Jersey’s standing: 85.7% of men report good or better health, and the state records one of the nation’s lowest male suicide rates, underscoring a broader well‑being environment for dads.

Washington, D.C.’s $147,300 median income tops the chart

Washington, D.C. claimed the third spot, driven by the highest median family income for father‑present households at $147,300. The district also leads in men’s health, with the greatest share of men in good or better health and the highest physical‑activity rate.

In addition, D.C. offers the second‑best parental‑leave policies, allowing fathers more time off after a new child arrives, a factor highlighted by the WalletHub methodology.

What the rankings reveal about state policy gaps

The WalletHub grading system uses a 100‑point scale, yet no state achieved a perfect score, indicating room for improvement across the board. While Massachusetts excels in income and health, its parental‑leave rating, though the best, still falls short of an ideal “no‑cost” scenario.

New Jersey’s strong child‑care infrastructure contrasts with its lower median income, suggesting that affordable, high‑quality care can offset some econnomic disadvantages for working dads.

Who sets the standards for father‑friendly policies?

The report does not name the specific legislative bodies or agencies responsible for the parental‑leave rules in each jurisdiction, leaving a gap in understanding how these policies might evolve. Additionally, the study does not break down how racial or socioeconomic disparities affect the reported health and income figures.