How Kentucky Ranks Among 2025’s Best States to Have a Baby

Having a baby in the U.S. is more expensive than ever. In 2025, the average cost of a conventional birth is over $2,600 for mothers with insurance and nearly $15,000 for those without. As delivery, childcare, and healthcare costs rise, many families are thinking strategically about where they live, and WalletHub’s new report helps with those choices.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Top-Ranked States Put Health and Support First

At the top of the list is Massachusetts, with the highest overall score (73.64). Despite ranking low in affordability, the state’s excellent healthcare system, baby-friendly policies, and strong family infrastructure earned it the No. 1 spot. North Dakota followed in second place, thanks to low delivery costs and solid healthcare access. Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Maine completed the top five, offering strong blends of healthcare, parental support, and early childhood resources. But, how did Kentucky fare in the study?

Kentucky Among Lower-Ranked States

In contrast, Kentucky ranked 30th overall. While it performed well in terms of cost, ranking 9th in affordability, it fell short in crucial categories, such as healthcare access (44th) and family-friendliness (32nd). Despite a lower price tag for delivery and infant care, the state’s weaker healthcare infrastructure and limited support systems create challenges for new parents.

“The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers. 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.”, Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

For families planning a move or expecting a child in 2025, these rankings show the most supportive states for welcoming a new baby.

State-By-State Breakdown

How does your state rank? Here's a breakdown.

Source: WalletHub

LOOK: Unique baby names from the year you were born

Stacker highlighted one of the least-used baby names from each year between 1950 and 2022, using data from the Social Security Administration.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

Gallery Credit: Bethany Adams

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