Best & Worst States for Women (2025)

In recognition of Women’s History Month this March – and with seemingly never ending gender disparities in earnings and leadership roles – the personal finance website WalletHub has published its report on the Best & Worst States for Women in 2025, featuring expert commentary.

The study compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia, using 25 key metrics. These factors include median income for women, access to quality healthcare, and the rate of female homicides, among other indicators.

Following are key findings from the research study and insights from WalletHub Analyst Milvionne Chery Copeland.

Key Findings: Best vs. Worst States for Women

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.

• Highest Median Earnings for Female Workers: District of Columbia – 1.8 times higher than Hawaii, which has the lowest (adjusted for cost of living)
• Lowest Share of Women Living in Poverty: New Hampshire – 2.6 times lower than Louisiana, which has the highest
• Highest Share of Women-Owned Businesses: Florida – 1.8 times higher than South Dakota, which has the lowest 
• Lowest Percentage of Women without Health Insurance: Massachusetts – 7.3 times lower than Texas, which has the highest

A Closer Look at The Best States for Women

Massachusetts

Massachusetts stands out as the top state for women in 2025. The state boasts one of the lowest female unemployment rates and is led by a female governor. Additionally, Massachusetts has the nation’s lowest percentage of uninsured women, with just 2.1% lacking health insurance.

Access to quality health care is another key factor contributing to the state’s ranking. Massachusetts hospitals rank fifth nationwide for women’s health services. Women here also have excellent access to preventive care—the state has the second-lowest share of women who couldn’t afford to see a doctor in the past year and the second-highest share who’ve had a mammogram within the past two years. These advantages contribute to Massachusetts having the second-longest life expectancy for women in the U.S.

Minnesota

Minnesota ranks as the second-best state for women, largely due to its strong economic opportunities. Women in the state earn a median income of $44,526 (adjusted for cost of living), which is the second-highest in the country. The state also has one of the lowest female unemployment rates and a relatively low poverty rate, with only 10% of women living below the poverty line—the fourth-lowest rate nationally.

Education is an additional strength. Minnesota has one of the highest four-year high school graduation rates for female students. Women’s health is also a priority in Minnesota, which ranks fourth in the percentage of women reporting good or better health. Additionally, the state has one of the longest female life expectancies in the nation.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia is the third-best place for women, particularly when it comes to income. Women in D.C. earn a median income of $50,936, adjusted for cost of living—the highest in the country.

Beyond strong earnings, job stability is a major advantage for women in the District of Columbia. It ranks eighth in the nation for job security, meaning women face lower risks of layoffs. Many women also pursue entrepreneurship, as D.C. ranks 11th for the percentage of women-owned businesses.

Health and wellness are also notable strengths. Over 88% of women in D.C. report being in good or better health, the highest percentage in the U.S. The District also leads in physical activity levels and has one of the lowest obesity rates for women. Additionally, D.C. has the second lowest percentage of women without health insurance.

Comments from the Experts

What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a state to live in?

When considering what state to live in, regardless of gender, people will want to consider a number of factors, some factors being more important to some people than others. Opportunity would be a broad consideration. Such opportunity factors would include things such as the state of the economy and job opportunities in that state and the cost of living. Other factors would include the quality-of-life opportunities – Do you want walkable cities? Opportunities to live near waters or mountains? Warm weather, cold weather, etc.?

“In addition, one would want to consider the opportunity to maintain one’s health and safety – Are hospitals available and convenient? Are there enough doctors to serve the community? Is crime a problem? In addition, one would likely want to consider the opportunity for growth and personal development – Are there good schools for my children? Good institutions of higher education? And, finally, the opportunity to be a part of or to influence the political process would be a concern for most as that is how individuals can affect the change they want.”

— Elizabeth S. Smith – Professor, Furman University

What can companies do to improve workplace conditions for women?

Be transparent with your workplace policies and with your workers. When you change something because there is a new Federal mandate to do so, tell people. Don’t leave them out of the loop as things change in your workplace or in your industry. Good, thoughtful, compassionate communication is crucial, even when you feel like your back is against the wall as laws rapidly change. A happy workforce that feels safe to do the work you want them to do is more important than you know.”

— Laura Mattoon D’Amore, Ph.D. – Professor, Roger Williams University

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.”

— Elizabeth S. Smith – Professor, Furman University

What should a state-level public policy agenda for women include?

A state-level public policy agenda should promote and provide equal opportunities for everyone. This would include protections against discrimination in hiring and pay, support for health and well-being, strong educational systems, and a responsive political system.”

— Elizabeth S. Smith – Professor, Furman University

Key Takeaways about the Best and Worst States for Women

When comparing states, a significant finding was the difference between red and blue states (based on how residents voted in the 2024 election). The data showed states designated as blue were more than twice as women-friendly as states designated as red (142.5% more women-friendly).

The key takeaways are clear – there are steps that states can take to be more women-friendly, and some states are doing it better than others. It’s time for other states to catch up and for all states to take bigger steps toward leveling the playing field.

Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).

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