• Population: 9,261,699
• Median Household Income: $97,126
• Average Home Value (May 2024): $545,028
• Average monthly mortgage costs: $3,247
• Average monthly expenses (with mortgage): $5,604
• Property crime rate (per 1,000 inhabitants): 13,851
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000 inhabitants): 1,926
• Difference in home value compared to national average: $183,530

New Jersey has had a mixed reputation for years, but there are quite a few advantages to living in the state. Property and violent crime rates are low, and the median household income is relatively higher than the rest of the country.

Certain suburbs, such as Haworth, are also great places to live and raise a family.

“It’s critical for single parents to have access to programs and activities that support their children’s growth,” Patel said. Many places in New Jersey offer just that.

_{Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed each state to find the best states for single parents to raise a family. First, GOBankingRates found cost of living indexes for each state, sourced from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center. For each state, average expenditures were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey for a single parent with at least one child under the age of 18. The average value of single-family homes was derived from the Zillow Home Value Index, and by assuming a 10% down payment and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, average mortgage costs were calculated. Using average mortgage and expenditure costs, the total monthly cost of living was calculated. Using the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the crime rate per 1,000 residents was calculated for violent crime and property crime. Median household income was scored and weighted at 1.00, average mortgage cost was scored and weighted at 1.50, average expense was scored and weighted at 1.50, property crime rate was scored and weighted at 0.75, violent crime rate was scored and weighted at 0.75, and home value difference relative to the national average was scored and weighted at 1.00. All scores were added together and sorted to show the best states to raise a family as a single parent. All data was collected on and is current as of July 10, 2024.}

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