The states revealed as best to start a family amid cratering belief in the American Dream
For those chasing the American dream, a new study has some insightful information about what it takes to attain it – along with data that might determine the best states...
By Fox News · Fox News
For those chasing the American dream, a new study has some insightful information about what it takes to attain it – along with data that might determine the best states to set down roots. Declining marriages and broken families are crippling predominantly blue states, while red states thrive with better economic mobility, education and lower crime, according to a 2026 Family Structure Index released Tuesday by the Ohio-based Center for Christian Virtue. In partnership with the Institute for Family Studies, the report examined three core factors: marriage rates, family stability and fertility rates. It also tracked cost of living, religious participation, family instability, and education levels, finding wide gaps across states that affect the "health and attainability of the American Dream." "This report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and community leaders across the country," CCV President Aaron Baer told Fox News Digital. TAX AND RUN: HOW NY AND CALIFORNIA ARE BLEEDING PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY Baer added that government programs alone "can’t replace strong families." "No amount of paid family leave, childcare subsidies, or social experimentation will rebuild the foundation that families provide," he said. "If those policies were enough, states like California and New York would be leading the way. The data show otherwise. If we’re serious about reducing poverty and expanding opportunity, we need to strengthen the institutions that have always made America strong: faith , family, and economic freedom." The report finds that only 1 in 3 Americans believe in the American Dream. The index clearly shows geographic divides. Red states like Utah rank first in family stability, while blue states like New Mexico trail behind. Rocky Mountain and Great Plains states generally have higher marriage and fertility rates, according to the report. Behind Utah, the rest of the top 5 states for family stability were Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. The…