There's nothing quite like the joy of starting a family—welcoming a new life, creating lasting memories, and building a foundation for the next generation. For prospective parents in California, the decision of where to raise children involves weighing the state's exceptional healthcare and safety features against its well-documented cost-of-living challenges.
A new study by Ivy Surrogacy ranking the best and worst states to start a family places California at No. 15 from the bottom, but the findings reveal a nuanced picture for Golden State families.
Where California Shines
California delivers impressive results in critical areas that matter most when raising children. The state ranks 10th nationally for keeping children insured, with just 3.1% of kids under 19 lacking coverage—ensuring families can access medical care when needed.
Life expectancy reaches 78.3 years, placing California among the top ten states. The state also boasts 82.4 pediatricians per 100,000 children (12th best), meaning families have strong access to specialized child healthcare. These factors create an environment where children can thrive with proper medical support throughout their developmental years.
Safety metrics show California performing reasonably well, with a homicide rate of 5.1 per 100,000 and vehicle fatality rates of 1.3 per 100 million miles traveled—both in the safer half of states nationwide.
The Affordability Reality
The challenge for California families comes down to economics. The study, which analyzed data from the CDC, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Center for Education Statistics across all 50 states and D.C., found California ranking last in two key affordability measures.
Housing prices stand at nearly eight times median income (7.9 ratio), while the cost of living index hits 142.3—meaning everyday expenses run 42% above the national average. For young families dreaming of homeownership and financial stability, these numbers present genuine obstacles.
Education results were mixed, with an 87% high school graduation rate (19th) but student achievement scores placing 40th nationally.
The Bigger Picture
As America's fertility rate dropped to a historic low of 1.6 births per woman in 2024, the study highlights how regional patterns are emerging. The ten best states for starting families concentrate in the Midwest and Northeast, while nine of the worst ten are in the West or South.
For California families, the message is clear: while the state offers outstanding healthcare and reasonable safety for children, economic pressures remain the primary hurdle—a challenge state leaders continue working to address for the next generation.
