Where a family chooses to live can significantly shape their lifestyle, financial well-being, and access to opportunities. While some metropolitan areas offer strong economic conditions, affordable housing, and quality education, others present more challenges for families trying to establish stability.
A recent study from LendingTree analyzed the 50 largest U.S. metro areas to determine which ones provide the best environments for families. The rankings were based on seven key indicators, including median income for families with children, homeownership rates, child poverty levels, educational attainment among teens, commute times, household composition, and childcare costs.
According to the findings, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati emerged as the top metros for families, offering strong household incomes, high rates of homeownership among families, and relatively lower child poverty rates. On the other end of the spectrum, Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles rank at the bottom, with lower family incomes, long commutes, and lower homeownership rates making these cities less ideal for raising children.
Cities Where Families Thrive
Salt Lake City took the top spot as the most family-friendly metro, scoring 75.4 in the study’s ranking. Families in Salt Lake City benefit from a median income of $112,342, with a substantial 75% of children living in owner-occupied homes—a strong indicator of economic stability. The city also boasts a relatively low child poverty rate of 10.7% and an average round-trip commute of just 47 minutes, allowing parents more time at home. Additionally, the area maintains a high percentage of households with children at 29.7%, reinforcing its family-centric environment.
Minneapolis ranked second, with a median family income of $132,055, the highest among the top-ranked metros. Families here also experience the highest homeownership rate in the study, with 78.7% of children living in owned homes. Minneapolis has one of the lowest child poverty rates at 8.9%, as well as a low percentage of older teens not in school or without a diploma at just 2.5%. However, high child care costs—averaging $3,131 per month for an infant and a four-year-old—present challenges despite the city’s strong economic advantages.
Cincinnati rounded out the top three, offering affordability alongside a median family income of $106,971. 73.3% of children live in owner-occupied homes, while the child poverty rate sits at 13%. Commutes are manageable at 48 minutes round-trip, and child care costs remain moderate at $1,868 per month compared to other metros.
Cities That Rank the Lowest for Families
At the opposite end of the rankings, Miami earned the lowest score at 23.4, reflecting economic and housing challenges for families. While the metro’s median family income stands at $84,550, homeownership rates are significantly lower, with just 57.6% of children living in owned homes. The child poverty rate of 16.1% is among the highest in the study, and parents in Miami also face one of the longest average commutes at 59 minutes round-trip.
Las Vegas followed closely with a score of 24.0, with even lower homeownership rates—just 53.1% of children live in owner-occupied homes. The child poverty rate reaches 17.7%, the highest among all ranked metros, while the share of older teens not enrolled in school or lacking a diploma is 5.6%, reflecting potential long-term economic struggles.
Los Angeles, ranking 48th out of 50 with a score of 28.0, presents a unique mix of high incomes and high costs. The median family income is $100,832, but only 48.3% of children live in owner-occupied homes, one of the lowest rates in the study. Commutes are particularly long, averaging 61 minutes round-trip, and families pay $2,844 per month on child care—among the most expensive in the nation.
Regional Trends in Family-Friendly Living
The study also revealed significant disparities within states. Texas metros saw stark contrasts, with Austin ranking sixth overall as a strong choice for families, while Houston fell to 43rd place due to lower family incomes and homeownership rates. Dallas and San Antonio landed in the middle at 19th and 34th, respectively.
Ohio displayed a similar divide: Cincinnati ranked in the top three, while Columbus placed 17th and Cleveland sank to 42nd place. Meanwhile, all four major Florida metros, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, ranked in the lower half of the study.
Despite regional differences, the data makes one thing clear: financial stability, access to homeownership, and quality education remain critical factors for families choosing where to put down roots.
