South Dakota, Iowa among Best States to Have a Baby in 2024

There are so many things to consider when having a baby, although where that child is going to be born isn't usually one of them.

However, it turns out that the whole childbirth experience varies greatly from state to state in America.

Recently, Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed data from all 50 states, ranking them based on key metrics related to the cost and health aspects of childbirth.

After reviewing the numbers, South Dakota and Iowa are among the top places in the country for having a baby.

The Mount Rushmore State is third overall thanks to a low infant death rate (6.07 per 1,000 births) and a maternal mortality rate of 28.5 per 100,000 live births. The annual cost of childcare in South Dakota is $6,677 per child, and the percentage of preterm births is 10.53%.

South Dakota also has the highest fertility rate in the U.S. (69.8 per 1,000 births) and the third lowest annual cost of child care ($6,677 per child).

The Hawkeye State is one spot behind at number four overall with scores that indicate a high quality of healthcare and relatively affordable childcare costs in the state.

Iowa has a low infant death rate (3.99 per 1,000 births) and a maternal mortality rate of 20.2 per 100,000 live births. The annual cost of childcare per child is $9,322, and the percentage of preterm births is 10.03%.

BEST STATES TO HAVE A BABY IN 2024

1. North Dakota
2. Utah
3. South Dakota
4. Iowa
5. Idaho
6. Kansas
7. Wyoming
8. Delaware
9. Missouri
10. New Hampshire

Minnesota ranked 20th best on the list.

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WORST STATES TO HAVE A BABY IN 2024

1. Mississippi
2. South Carolina
3. Tennessee
4. West Virginia
5. Alabama
6. Arkansas
7. Louisiana
8. North Carolina
9. Georgia
10. Massachusetts