Most of us would like to think that childhood should be one of the best times in a person's life, but that is not always true, and in some cases can depend on where you choose to live.

A new study from SmileHub ranked the best states in America for children, and both Minnesota and Iowa earned top spots. The report looked at all 50 states using 27 different factors, including health, education, family life, and community support.

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Minnesota ranked number 2 overall, just behind Massachusetts. The state earned the number 1 spot for support systems, meaning kids and families benefit from strong community programs, good schools, and safe neighborhoods.

Minnesota also scored high for work-life balance and family-friendly policies that help parents spend time with their children. Access to quality health care and activities that promote healthy living also helped Minnesota shine.

Iowa placed 10th in the nation, showing strength across many areas. The state performed especially well in education and family life, offering excellent public schools, safe communities, and affordable living. While Iowa didn’t top every category, it showed steady, above-average results across the board.

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Overall, both Minnesota and Iowa stand out as great places to raise children. Families in these states enjoy strong support networks, healthy lifestyles, and communities that care about kids’ well-being—making the Midwest one of the best regions in the country for growing up happy and healthy.

Source: SmileHub

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