Women’s Economic and Health Outcomes Vary Dramatically by State

By Stacy M. Brown Senior Global Correspondent

Women make up nearly 51 percent of the U.S. population, yet they continue to trail men in wages, political representation, and economic security, according to a new national report released during Women’s History Month that ranks the best and worst states for women in 2026.

“Despite improvements the U.S. has made over the years, women still lag behind men when it comes to economic prospects, executive positions, and political representation. On top of tackling these important issues, the best states for women also ensure that they have access to high-quality health care, receive the same educational opportunities as men, and live in safe communities,” said Milvionne Chery Copeland, a WalletHub analyst.

WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 metrics to determine where women have the strongest economic footing and the safest living conditions. The study evaluated two primary categories, Women’s Economic and Social Well-Being and Women’s Health Care and Safety. Researchers examined median earnings for female workers, unemployment, job security, poverty rates, abortion policies, preventive health care access, homicide rates, and other indicators.

Massachusetts ranked first overall with a total score of 73.66. The Bay State posted the lowest share of uninsured women at just 2 percent and ranked second in the nation for hospitals specializing in women’s health care. It also placed first as the best state to have a baby and the best state for working moms. Women in Massachusetts benefit from one of the highest life expectancy rates in the country and strong access to preventive screenings.

The District of Columbia ranked second overall with a score of 71.48. Women in the nation’s capital earn the highest median income in the country when adjusted for cost of living at $52,569. The District also recorded the highest share of women who voted in the 2024 presidential election at 80.5 percent and offers the strongest job security for women nationwide.

Maine finished third overall, driven by strong job stability, low unemployment among women, and solid preventive health care access. Minnesota ranked fourth, and Maryland placed fifth, both performing well across economic and health measures.

Rounding out the top 10 were Vermont, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon.

At the other end of the rankings, Louisiana placed last overall. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Alabama were also among the lowest-ranked states.

Many of the lowest-performing states struggled with high female homicide rates, limited reproductive protections, higher uninsured rates, and weaker economic indicators for women. WalletHub’s data show that women remain disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs nationwide and continue to face a persistent pay gap. The study also notes that women hold just 26 percent of U.S. Senate seats and 29.4 percent of seats in the House of Representatives.

Experts who contributed to the report said that state policy differences increasingly shape women’s daily lives, particularly on issues such as reproductive health, workplace protections, and access to care.

“States are diverging severely on issues of importance to women. Take stock of who you are, what your goals are, and what you want to prioritize in terms of your safety or the safety of loved ones. Then research the different states to try to find one that has your interests as their priorities, too,” noted Laura Mattoon D’Amore, professor of cultural studies at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.

Jo Reger, a professor of sociology and department chair at Oakland University in Michigan, noted that women’s experiences vary widely depending on race, immigration status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. “The challenge in addressing this question lies in identifying which women we are referring to. College-educated white women have different experiences when relocating for a job compared to immigrant, undocumented, and refugee women, who often have no control over where they end up,” Reger stated.

Elizabeth S. Smith, a professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University in South Carolina, said the policy landscape shifted significantly after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision returned abortion regulation to the states.

“On other issues like reproductive rights, the Dobbs decision returned power to the states, which has resulted in more divergence between the states on reproductive policies,” Smith said.

The report’s methodology weighted economic measures more heavily, assigning 60 total points to economic and social well-being and 40 points to health care and safety. Metrics included median earnings, unemployment, job security, poverty rates, the affordability of doctor visits, abortion policies, depression and suicide rates, preventive screenings, and female homicide rates.

Researchers found that access to health insurance and preventive care continues to play a central role in women’s overall outcomes. The gap between the best and worst states in female uninsured rates was eightfold. Differences in female homicide rates were even wider.

The study also pointed to workplace conditions as a continuing challenge for women across the country, particularly as burnout rates rise and women leave the workforce at higher rates than men.

“Company policies that improve workplace conditions for women also improve workplace conditions for men. Such policies would include protection against discrimination and harassment, paid family leave, support for childcare, and flexible work environments,” Smith concluded.