The best and worst states for women in 2026, according to WalletHub

Gender equality in the U.S. remains far from reality. The country still trails much of the world when it comes to gender parity, ranking just 42nd out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 report on the Global Gender Gap $GPS. That’s a slight improvement from last year, sure, but it underscores how uneven progress has been. From income gaps to representation in government, women continue to face systemic barriers that hold them back socially, politically, and economically.

WalletHub compared all 50 states across a series of indicators to find which states are best and worst 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," said WalletHub Analyst Milvionne Chery Copeland. "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.”

Continue reading to see which states ranked the highest and the lowest — and why.

Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images

Maryland ranks as the 5th best state for women in the nation. It stands out for its low poverty levels, boasting the 5th lowest share of women living in poverty at 10.4%. The state is also a leader in social and reproductive health, ranking 3rd for its friendliness toward women’s equality and tying for 1st place for its protective abortion policies and access.

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

Minnesota ranks fourth with some of the highest economic security for women. The state ranks 2nd in median earnings for female workers, at $46,349.93 when adjusted for the cost of living. Minnesota also sees high civic engagement among women, ranking 2nd for the share of women who voted in the recent presidential election at 79%.

Marcia Straub / Getty Images

Maine ranks 3rd best for women, 5th for friendliness toward working moms, and 4th for friendliness toward women’s equality. The state scored points for its high school graduation rate among women at 91.6%. It also shares the 1st place ranking for the most protective abortion policies and access.

juan maria asensio garcia / Getty Images

Though it’s not a state, Washington D.C. ranks 2nd overall and leads the nation in several economic and healthcare categories. It takes the top spot for median earnings for women workers at $52,569.42 when adjusted for the cost of living. The District also has the highest voter participation among women at 80.5%. Healthcare access is a significant strength, too, as is friendliness toward working moms.

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

Massachusetts is the best state for women in the country, according to WalletHub It ranks first for friendliness toward working moms and for having the lowest female uninsured rate at just 2%. The state also provides exceptional health outcomes and strong women’s hospitals. 

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

Alabama is the fifth-worst state for women. The state faces significant challenges in workplace support, ranking 50th for friendliness toward working moms. It also sees low civic engagement, ranking 49th for the share of women who voted at 59.3%.

Jupiterimages / Getty Images

Texas ranks fourth-worst. It has the highest female uninsured rate in the country at 16.1%, and also ranks last for women who could not afford to see a doctor in the past year due to costs, at 20.4%. 

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

Arkansas is the 3rd worst state for women. The state has the lowest female voter turnout in the nation, faces hurdles in healthcare and social progress, and has a high female homicide rate.

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

Oklahoma ranks second-to-last. Women in Oklahoma also face lower health outcomes, with a life expectancy of 76.5 years, which is the fourth lowest in the country. The state also ranks poorly for social progress.

Edwin Remsberg / Getty Images

Louisiana is the worst state for women in the nation, according to WalletHub. The state has the highest percentage of women living in poverty at 20.9% and ranks last in the country for friendliness toward working moms. Educational and civic outcomes are also low, as is life expectancy.