The Best and Worst States in the Country for Women to Live Their Best Life

Photo: Stocksy/Javier Pardina
Even though major progress is being made around the world when it comes to equal pay and gender equality, the change happening in the United States still has a long way to go. But even though the US fell four places since last year in the World Economic Forum's annual report on gender equality, some states in America are definitely prioritizing it more successfully than others.

After analyzing data from a variety of sources, like the US Census Bureau and the National Center for Educational Statistics, WalletHub recently ranked each state and the District of Columbia across 23 key indicators of living standards for women—including job security, medical-cost affordability, mental health, and friendliness toward working moms—and found the best (and worst) places for living out your #bossbabe dreams.

Minnesota came in at the very top of the list, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The worst, on the other hand, was Louisiana, with Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Alabama close behind.

Minnesota came in at the very top of the list, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. These states scored impressively high in economic and social well-being as well as in health and safety, according to the report.

The worst state for women, on the other hand, was Louisiana, with Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Alabama trailing close behind. These places had some of the highest percentages of women living in poverty and the lowest high school graduation rates for women.

So, if you're thinking of moving, maybe it's time to consider the Midwest, the Northeast, or the West Coast: Most of the states are already full of #girlbosses who are living the ladyhood dream life. The South might be warm, sunny (a feature that might keep you flu free!), and chock-full of comfort food, but according to this report, it's simply not the best place for women's rights—at least not yet.

Here's one thing that helps women beat the gender wage gap. Or, find out why one health guru says you should talk to your body.

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