Minnesota is Now One of the Best Places to Have a Baby in the Entire Country
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exhilarating journey, but it's no secret the financial aspects can be daunting.
According to Health System Tracker, the average cost of a conventional delivery in the U.S. stands at nearly $3,000 with insurance and a staggering $15,000 without it.
These figures alone can make prospective parents break a sweat. However, not all states hit the wallet equally hard, thanks to varying costs of living and healthcare services.
Minnesota Ranks in the Top 3 Best States to Have a Baby
Minnesota shines as a beacon of hope for new parents, ranking third in the nation for the best states to have a baby, according to WalletHub.
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This accolade comes as a result of an in-depth comparison across 31 key measures of cost, healthcare accessibility, and family-friendliness.
Why Is Minnesota a Great Place to Have a Baby?
One major highlight is Minnesota's second-lowest health insurance premiums in the nation, averaging just $337 per month. This financial relief is coupled with top-tier healthcare, which contributes to the third-lowest maternal mortality rate and the 10th-lowest infant mortality rate in the country.
Minnesota's quality care doesn't stop there.
Minnesota also boasts a robust network of medical professionals, with the seventh-most nurse midwives, 13th-most obstetricians and gynecologists, and 12th-most pediatricians per capita. This abundance means parents have plenty of choices and can access care more swiftly.
Minnesota Excels In Nurturing Environments For Raising Children
The state has the second-highest share of nationally accredited child-care centers, ensuring peace of mind for working parents. Minnesota also ranks third among the best states for raising a family, offering a balanced blend of safety, education, and community support.
The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers," says WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe. "They also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible child care, and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier.”
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The Top 11 Best States to Have a Baby
Other Midwest states ranking above average for best places to have a baby include North Dakota (#2), Iowa (#11), South Dakota (#13), Nebraska (#14), Illinois (#19), and Wisconsin (#22).
Here are the top 11:
1. Massachusetts
2. North Dakota
3. Minnesota
4. Rhode Island
5. New Hampshire
6. District of Columbia
7. Maine
8. Vermont
9. Utah
10. Washington
11. Iowa
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Gallery Credit: Stacker