Women in several Northeast states have some of the best opportunities in the country, according to a new study.
WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Women on Monday, Mar. 3. The study's release also ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8.
All 50 states and Washington, DC, were rated across 25 key metrics. The statistics measured economic opportunities, healthcare quality, and safety for women.
The findings highlight stark disparities nationwide, with some states offering significantly better conditions for women than others.
"Despite improvements the US 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."
Massachusetts ranked No. 1 overall, scoring high in economic and social well-being, as well as healthcare and safety. The state boasts the lowest percentage of uninsured women and some of the best hospitals for women's healthcare.
The Bay State also has the second-longest life expectancy for women in the country.
"Massachusetts is a great state for women who plan to have children," said WalletHub. "It ranks as the best state to have a baby in and the best state for working moms."
Washington, DC, placed third overall, with the highest median earnings for women in the country, adjusted for cost of living. The district also has the second-lowest rate of uninsured females, only trailing Massachusetts.
DC was recognized for the general increase in political activity for women.
"It's also our nation's capital and home to Congress, which currently has a record number of women serving," WalletHub said. "And speaking of political participation, DC has the highest share of women who voted in the 2020 Presidential election, at 86 percent."
New York came in at No. 4, driven by strong healthcare access and economic opportunities. It ranked second in women's healthcare and safety, helping push it near the top of the rankings.
The Empire State was also recognized for its relative safety for women. It was tied with New Jersey for fourth in women's life expectancy and has the fifth-lowest female homicide rate (per 100,000 females).
Maryland rounded out the top five, ranking ninth in health care and safety and fifth in economic well-being. The Old Line State only trailed Florida for most women-owned businesses and has the fifth-highest percentage of voters in the 2020 election.
New Jersey came in No. 8 overall, led by its third-best rankings in women's healthcare and 2020 voter participation. The state also ranked sixth in high school graduation rates for women.
Connecticut placed 15th, excelling in healthcare quality while lagging slightly in economic and social well-being. The Constitution State has the third-best life expectancy for women.
Virginia placed 22nd, with a strong showing in economic well-being but weaker rankings in women's healthcare and safety. Like neighboring Maryland and DC, Virginia was a leader in median earnings and women-owned businesses, placing third in each category.
Pennsylvania ranked 24th, falling in the middle of the rankings due to moderate scores in both major categories. The Keystone State did have the lowest homicide rate for women in the nation.
Despite progress in some areas, the study underscores ongoing disparities for women. Women make up nearly 51 percent of the country's population but account for more than two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers.
Political representation remains limited, with women holding just 24 percent of Senate seats and 29.2 percent of House seats.
"A state-level public policy agenda should promote and provide equal opportunities for everyone," said Elizabeth Smith, a politics and international affairs professor at Furman University. "This would include protections against discrimination in hiring and pay, support for health and well-being, strong educational systems, and a responsive political system."
The study also found that states with better healthcare access tend to have lower female poverty rates and higher life expectancy.
"In the new post-Roe [v. Wade] landscape, one of the fundamental concerns for women of reproductive age is whether the state where they live and work is safe for them and their families, especially during pregnancy," said Mary Godwyn, a history and society professor at Babson College. "This concern extends to teenage girls and college-bound young women who must take caution to ensure they can find appropriate care for various health issues.
"Similarly, trans and non-heteronormative women will want to investigate the legal landscape of any state where they decide to work or attend school, as reproductive rights, privacy rights, and the ability to choose (and afford) one's own healthcare options are increasingly threatened. In some areas of the country, these rights have already been greatly diminished."
While top-ranked states provide better opportunities for women, those at the bottom of the list -- Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas -- struggle with high female poverty rates, limited healthcare access, and fewer economic opportunities.
You can click here to see WalletHub's 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Women.
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