The best and worst states for working dads in 2025—what that means for moms, too

A new ranking highlights where dads are thriving—and raises big questions about support for modern families.

Gone are the days when “provider” was the only role expected of a father. Today’s dads are packing lunches, leading bedtime routines, and scheduling pediatrician appointments—often while juggling full-time jobs. And according to a new 2025 report from WalletHub, where they live makes a big difference in how supported they feel.

At Motherly, we want dads to do well in the world, too. Because when dads are more empowered to show up at home, moms benefit, kids benefit, and everyone breathes a little easier.

Where dads are doing best—and why it matters

The top-ranked states for working dads—Massachusetts, D.C., and Connecticut—stand out with strong parental leave policies, access to high-quality childcare, and excellent health metrics for men.

• Massachusetts, the No. 1 state, offers best-in-the-nation leave policies, leading school systems, and one of the lowest uninsured rates for men. Plus, only 5.1% of kids with a present father live in poverty there.
•  D.C. ranks highest in median income for families with a father present ($147,000) and leads the country in physical and mental health metrics for men.
• Connecticut combines the second-best school system with the highest share of nationally accredited childcare centers, creating stability for working parents and confidence in daily routines.

The report signals that when states invest in the infrastructure of caregiving, families flourish.

What the gaps reveal about family infrastructure

At the other end of the list? States like New Mexico, Mississippi, and West Virginia, where limited health care access, high child poverty, and unaffordable childcare add up to real challenges for families.

In New Mexico, which ranked last overall, the child poverty rate is five times higher than in top-performing states. This stark divide raises urgent questions about equity, especially for low-income or single-parent households—many of whom are led by moms.

Why this matters for moms

When dads are supported to co-lead caregiving at home, moms are less likely to burn out. It’s that simple—and that important.

Research consistently shows that in families where both parents have access to paid leave, moms report better mental health, stronger relationships, and more career continuity. But when fathers can’t (or don’t) take leave, the caregiving load defaults to moms, reinforcing long-standing gender gaps.

A closer look at what needs to change

Even in top-ranked states, there’s work to be done. The report emphasizes that many fathers still don’t feel comfortable taking full parental leave—citing fear of stigma or professional repercussions.

That discomfort keeps caregiving responsibilities lopsided and underscores the need for cultural shifts alongside policy wins. We can’t just give dads permission to parent—we need to normalize it.

Related: Paternity leave benefits the whole family. So why aren’t dads taking it?

A better way forward

• Normalize dads taking leave
• Expand family-first policies across all states
• Support moms by investing in dads’ presence at home

Related: We need to normalize paternity leave once and for all

We’ve long known that “it takes a village” to raise a child. But it also takes policy, culture, and shared commitment to raise up parents—of every gender.

If we want moms to thrive, we need to create conditions where dads are free to show up at home, not as helpers, but as equal partners.

Sources:

1. Best & Worst States for Working Dads (2025). June 2025. WalletHub. Best & Worst States for Working Dads (2025).