New research reveals that red states outperform blue states in family stability, economic mobility, and education, highlighting the importance of family structure in achieving the American Dream.
A recent report from the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) has shed light on the best states for starting a family, revealing significant disparities between red and blue states. The 2026 Family Structure Index, released on Tuesday, indicates that declining marriage rates and family instability are particularly pronounced in predominantly blue states, while red states demonstrate better economic mobility, education, and lower crime rates.
The index, developed in partnership with the Institute for Family Studies, evaluates three core factors: marriage rates, family stability, and fertility rates. It also considers cost of living, religious participation, family instability, and education levels, uncovering wide gaps across states that influence the “health and attainability of the American Dream.”
“This report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and community leaders across the country,” said CCV President Aaron Baer in an interview with Fox News Digital. He emphasized that government programs alone cannot replace the foundational role of strong families. “No amount of paid family leave, childcare subsidies, or social experimentation will rebuild the foundation that families provide,” he stated. “If those policies were enough, states like California and New York would be leading the way. The data show otherwise. If we’re serious about reducing poverty and expanding opportunity, we need to strengthen the institutions that have always made America strong: faith, family, and economic freedom.”
The report reveals a stark reality: only one in three Americans currently believes in the American Dream. Geographic divides are evident, with states like Utah ranking highest in family stability, while blue states such as New Mexico lag behind. The index highlights that Rocky Mountain and Great Plains states generally exhibit higher marriage and fertility rates.
Following Utah, the top five states for family stability include Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Conversely, the bottom five states are Vermont, Nevada, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and New Mexico. These disparities are influencing migration patterns, with many Americans leaving high-cost blue states for more affordable red states. For instance, South Carolina has seen an increase in marriage rates and an improvement in its ranking, while Hawaii has experienced a decline due to rising housing costs and falling marriage rates.
“Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society,” Baer noted in a press release. “This report shows that when family structure weakens, the effects ripple outward to our schools, our communities, and our economy. But it also makes clear that this is not inevitable. There is a solution and a path forward.”
The report also establishes a clear connection between family structure and economic outcomes. States with higher rates of married parents experience lower child poverty rates, better educational outcomes, reduced crime, and stronger economies. In contrast, states with a higher proportion of single-parent households face long-term challenges.
Other factors influencing these outcomes include religious participation and housing costs. States with higher religious engagement tend to have higher birth rates, while expensive housing markets correlate with lower fertility rates. Education plays a crucial role as well; individuals with higher education levels are more likely to form stable families due to increased economic security.
Since 2000, the national index score has dropped from 100 to 87.3, indicating a decline in family structure. Although marriage rates have stabilized in recent years, fertility rates continue to decline, posing significant challenges for future generations. A CCV spokesperson noted that these trends are not confined to any specific region or political ideology, underscoring the need for policy changes that prioritize family stability and economic conditions.
“The lesson going forward is clear,” Baer stated. “Red and blue states alike should advance policies that make housing more affordable, ensure good-paying jobs are within reach, keep taxes low, and expand access to quality education.” He emphasized the importance of stable households, noting that stable two-parent homes are linked to higher college graduation rates and a greater likelihood of reaching the middle class. Married adults are approximately 80% less likely to live in poverty compared to their single counterparts.
Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia and lead researcher on the report, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Family structure is one of the strongest predictors we have for whether children and communities are thriving. States that are doing well in this area have markedly lower levels of child poverty, as well as higher rates of economic mobility and homeownership.”
For many, economic realities continue to fuel skepticism about the American Dream. Since 1980, the percentage of adults aged 25 to 54 who can afford to buy homes has decreased, and only about half of those born in the 1980s earn more than their parents, a significant drop from 90% among those born in the 1940s. Marriage rates fell sharply from 2000 to 2010, followed by a 17% decline over the next decade, as upward mobility has been nearly halved over two generations.
“This isn’t just about statistics,” Baer concluded. “It’s about real children and real futures. If we want to see our nation thrive, we have to be serious about strengthening marriage and supporting families in every community,” according to Fox News.