Best Place To Raise A Family In Every State

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Best place to raise a family in every state

Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for new families as well as seasoned parents. If it takes a village to raise a child; that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for the top place to raise their children, oftentimes this decision means balancing community resources with steep prices for the nicest neighborhoods.

Stacker looked to Niche's 2020 Best Places to Raise a Family, which evaluates dozens of important components to help families of all stages take a data-driven approach to finding the best communities within their state. Public schools have the heaviest weighting among the considerations included, while crime and safety, cost of living, demographics, and community resources all factor strongly.

From this analysis, we've picked out the area in each state that ranks best for raising a family. We've ranked the full list from small to large by population—while you may have never even heard of some of these cities, they’re worth taking a look at before you decide to plant your roots. The best spot for your family might be right next door.

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brandi sims // Wikimedia Commons

Alabama: Madison

- Population: 49,327
- Median home value: $253,000 (71% of residents own)
- Median rent: 946 (29% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $99,188
- Educational attainment: 25% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 26% some college, 15% high school or less

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Bartosz Koszowski // Shutterstock

Alaska: Turnagain

- Population: 14,337
- Median home value: $369,782 (68% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,576 (32% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $115,431
- Educational attainment: 23% masters or higher, 26% bachelors, 27% some college, 24% high school or less

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Jewelzz // Shutterstock

Arizona: Catalina Foothills

- Population: 50,454
- Median home value: $440,100 (74% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,061 (26% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $92,929
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 21% some college, 11% high school or less

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Philip Rozenski // Shutterstock

Arkansas: Bentonville

- Population: 49,467
- Median home value: $232,600 (54% of residents own)
- Median rent: 955 (46% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $80,392
- Educational attainment: 18% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 23% some college, 27% high school or less

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California: Ventura

- Population: 4,715
- Median home value: $1,410,568 (34% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,265 (66% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $108,700
- Educational attainment: 51% masters or higher, 28% bachelors, 13% some college, 8% high school or less

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Colorado: Holly Hills

- Population: 2,835
- Median home value: $460,100 (97% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,634 (3% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $132,955
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 19% some college, 17% high school or less

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Sharon Cobo // Shutterstock

Connecticut: Old Greenwich

- Population: 6,844
- Median home value: $1,561,200 (84% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,127 (16% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $222,794
- Educational attainment: 47% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 11% some college, 8% high school or less

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Khairil Azhar Junos // Shutterstock

Delaware: Pike Creek

- Population: 7,613
- Median home value: $343,300 (84% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,795 (16% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $117,379
- Educational attainment: 33% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 16% some college, 17% high school or less

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Michael Rivera // Wikimedia Commons

Florida: Nocatee

- Population: 14,747
- Median home value: $389,500 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,924 (14% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $119,276
- Educational attainment: 25% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 27% some college, 14% high school or less

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Georgia: Alpharetta

- Population: 65,590
- Median home value: $422,800 (66% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,451 (34% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $113,802
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 41% bachelors, 19% some college, 11% high school or less

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Hawaii: Mililani Mauka

- Population: 20,090
- Median home value: $691,200 (79% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,226 (21% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $114,886
- Educational attainment: 18% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 29% some college, 19% high school or less

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Idaho: Highlands

- Population: 5,061
- Median home value: $523,111 (82% of residents own)
- Median rent: 976 (18% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $129,328
- Educational attainment: 38% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 21% some college, 5% high school or less

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Henryk Sadura // Shutterstock

Illinois: Long Grove

- Population: 7,963
- Median home value: $648,700 (98% of residents own)
- Median rent: 3,250 (2% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $214,073
- Educational attainment: 37% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 16% some college, 14% high school or less

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Indiana: Carmel

- Population: 97,464
- Median home value: $333,200 (76% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,207 (24% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $112,765
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 18% some college, 12% high school or less

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ArtisticAbode //

Iowa: Mount Vernon

- Population: 4,451
- Median home value: $203,400 (69% of residents own)
- Median rent: 757 (31% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $71,552
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 26% some college, 13% high school or less

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AimeeJL // Wikipedia

Kansas: Leawood

- Population: 34,670
- Median home value: $463,200 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,619 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $157,515
- Educational attainment: 34% masters or higher, 43% bachelors, 17% some college, 6% high school or less

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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

Kentucky: Anchorage

- Population: 2,376
- Median home value: $715,000 (96% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,163 (4% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $187,946
- Educational attainment: 40% masters or higher, 42% bachelors, 14% some college, 4% high school or less

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Z28scrambler // Wikimedia Commons

Louisiana: Prairieville

- Population: 31,794
- Median home value: $236,500 (87% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,188 (13% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $99,953
- Educational attainment: 11% masters or higher, 26% bachelors, 29% some college, 34% high school or less

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Maine: Cape Elizabeth

- Population: 9,275
- Median home value: $435,700 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,199 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $123,116
- Educational attainment: 35% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 20% some college, 7% high school or less

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Maryland: South Kensington

- Population: 8,763
- Median home value: $754,200 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,180 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $180,000
- Educational attainment: 46% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 12% some college, 9% high school or less

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Magicpiano // Wikimedia Commons

Massachusetts: Newtonville

- Population: 8,186
- Median home value: $902,574 (69% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,158 (31% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $160,147
- Educational attainment: 46% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 12% some college, 7% high school or less

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Michigan: Okemos

- Population: 24,141
- Median home value: $243,200 (61% of residents own)
- Median rent: 989 (39% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $78,600
- Educational attainment: 43% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 16% some college, 10% high school or less

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Chardonnay Vance // Wikimedia Commons

Minnesota: Shorewood

- Population: 7,867
- Median home value: $485,300 (95% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,639 (5% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $139,956
- Educational attainment: 27% masters or higher, 42% bachelors, 19% some college, 12% high school or less

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Mississippi: Madison

- Population: 25,592
- Median home value: $261,900 (93% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,549 (7% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $114,521
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 21% some college, 11% high school or less

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Missouri: Glendale

- Population: 5,891
- Median home value: $414,800 (96% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,407 (4% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $140,184
- Educational attainment: 40% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 21% some college, 5% high school or less

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Montana: Four Corners

- Population: 5,084
- Median home value: $396,000 (87% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,102 (13% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $81,089
- Educational attainment: 18% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 32% some college, 16% high school or less

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Aspects and Angles // Shutterstock

Nebraska: Papillion

- Population: 20,423
- Median home value: $189,900 (66% of residents own)
- Median rent: 917 (34% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $80,619
- Educational attainment: 13% masters or higher, 24% bachelors, 35% some college, 28% high school or less

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Dick Smith // Wikimedia Commons

Nevada: Mogul

- Population: 1,334
- Median home value: $404,900 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,513 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $113,583
- Educational attainment: 17% masters or higher, 25% bachelors, 42% some college, 16% high school or less

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Betsyin NE // Wikimedia Commons

New Hampshire: Hanover

- Population: 11,467
- Median home value: $564,000 (66% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,458 (34% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $137,344
- Educational attainment: 52% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 8% some college, 9% high school or less

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JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD // Wikimedia Commons

New Jersey: Upper Montclair

- Population: 11,589
- Median home value: $766,100 (83% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,008 (17% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $211,221
- Educational attainment: 45% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 9% some college, 6% high school or less

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New Mexico: Los Alamos

- Population: 12,666
- Median home value: $308,100 (67% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,042 (33% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $116,116
- Educational attainment: 42% masters or higher, 26% bachelors, 19% some college, 13% high school or less

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New York: Jericho

- Population: 13,889
- Median home value: $797,400 (87% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,008 (13% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $173,709
- Educational attainment: 34% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 15% some college, 15% high school or less

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CeGe // Shutterstock

North Carolina: Morrisville

- Population: 26,280
- Median home value: $331,800 (48% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,398 (52% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $101,738
- Educational attainment: 32% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 16% some college, 14% high school or less

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USFWS Mountain-Prairie // Wikimedia Commons

North Dakota: Rose Creek

- Population: 2,068
- Median home value: $308,600 (91% of residents own)
- Median rent: 888 (9% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $133,750
- Educational attainment: 25% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 21% some college, 14% high school or less

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Ed! // Wikimedia Commons

Ohio: Madeira

- Population: 9,147
- Median home value: $294,400 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,336 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $117,944
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 14% some college, 17% high school or less

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Bill Wilson // Flickr

Oklahoma: Edmond

- Population: 92,009
- Median home value: $240,600 (68% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,047 (32% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $81,473
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 27% some college, 19% high school or less

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Steve Morgan // Wikimedia Commons

Oregon: Bethany

- Population: 26,501
- Median home value: $557,300 (73% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,682 (27% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $135,800
- Educational attainment: 38% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 19% some college, 12% high school or less

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Michael Stokes // Wikimedia Commons

Pennsylvania: Chesterbrook

- Population: 4,800
- Median home value: $323,000 (77% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,832 (23% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $130,000
- Educational attainment: 41% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 11% some college, 10% high school or less

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Rhode Island: Barrington

- Population: 16,131
- Median home value: $433,200 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,318 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $125,431
- Educational attainment: 38% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 18% some college, 13% high school or less

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SSE Photography // Shutterstock

South Carolina: Tega Cay

- Population: 10,412
- Median home value: $331,100 (96% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,453 (4% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $130,918
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 27% some college, 14% high school or less

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TCN7JM // Wikimedia Commons

South Dakota: Brandon

- Population: 9,934
- Median home value: $225,200 (74% of residents own)
- Median rent: 926 (26% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $87,250
- Educational attainment: 11% masters or higher, 26% bachelors, 39% some college, 24% high school or less

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Michael Hicks // Flickr

Tennessee: Brentwood

- Population: 42,407
- Median home value: $655,400 (91% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,085 (9% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $168,688
- Educational attainment: 32% masters or higher, 44% bachelors, 15% some college, 9% high school or less

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Texas: Rollingwood

- Population: 1,532
- Median home value: $1,103,100 (93% of residents own)
- Median rent: 3,501 (7% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $193,750
- Educational attainment: 42% masters or higher, 46% bachelors, 10% some college, 2% high school or less

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Ntsimp // Wikimedia Commons

Utah: Kaysville

- Population: 31,494
- Median home value: $339,500 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: 948 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $99,597
- Educational attainment: 15% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 36% some college, 15% high school or less

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EdwardEMeyer // Wikimedia Commons

Vermont: Norwich

- Population: 3,339
- Median home value: $454,500 (73% of residents own)
- Median rent: 935 (27% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $121,563
- Educational attainment: 54% masters or higher, 30% bachelors, 8% some college, 8% high school or less

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Kona Gallagher // Wikimedia Commons

Virginia: Bluemont

- Population: 8,439
- Median home value: $778,455 (70% of residents own)
- Median rent: 2,178 (30% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $186,897
- Educational attainment: 43% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 9% some college, 11% high school or less

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CL Shebley // Shutterstock

Washington: North Redmond

- Population: 4,564
- Median home value: $941,228 (95% of residents own)
- Median rent: 3,333 (5% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $248,969
- Educational attainment: 47% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 10% some college, 6% high school or less

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dan carlson // Wikimedia Commons

West Virginia: Cheat Lake

- Population: 9,251
- Median home value: $298,900 (80% of residents own)
- Median rent: 908 (20% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $89,310
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or higher, 26% bachelors, 22% some college, 24% high school or less

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ChristOnABike // Wikimedia Commons

Wisconsin: Elm Grove

- Population: 6,153
- Median home value: $370,500 (93% of residents own)
- Median rent: 950 (7% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $106,058
- Educational attainment: 26% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 20% some college, 17% high school or less

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Acroterion

Wyoming: South Park

- Population: 1,812
- Median home value: $1,066,900 (83% of residents own)
- Median rent: 1,161 (17% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $106,399
- Educational attainment: 21% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 39% some college, 4% high school or less

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Best place to raise a family in every state