Best States For Working Dads: See Where California Ranks

CALIFORNIA – Working dads in California face a variety of challenges, according to a new report by WalletHub. The personal finance website's "2018 Best & Worst States for Working Dads" study ranked California 24th overall, but the Golden State came in near the bottom in economic and social well-being.

Despite having the third-lowest average length of work day for men, California came in 48th for the unemployment rate for dads with young kids and 49th for lowest median family income. The state also ranked 45th in the percentage of kids living in poverty in which the father is present.

To compile the rankings, the study's authors compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 20 key indicators grouped into four different categories, including economic and social well-being, work-life balance, child care and health. Data was pulled from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Council for Community and Economic Research, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a variety of other sources, including WalletHub's own research.

How did California do? Here's a snapshot, with a rank of 1 being the best and 25 being average:

Life as a Working Dad in California (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

• 2nd – Male life expectancy
• 3rd – Average length of work day (in hours) for men
• 12th – Percentage of physically active men
• 37th – Male uninsured rate
• 39th – Child care costs (adjusted for median family* income)
• 45th – Percentage of kids younger than 18 with dad present living in poverty
• 48th – Unemployment rate for dads with kids younger than 18
• 49th – Daycare quality
• 49th – Lowest median family* income (adjusted for cost of living)

(*Refers to families with kids aged 0 to 17 and in which the father is present)

Connecticut came in as the best state for working dads, while West Virginia ranked last. These are the five best states for working dads, according to the study:

1. Connecticut
2. Minnesota
3. Massachusetts
4. District of Columbia
5. Vermont

Here's a look at the entire United States. Hover over a state to see its rank:

Read the full study and methodology here. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

ALSO SEE:

• CA Among Best States To Raise A Family, Study Says
• California Cities Named Hardest-Working In America: LIST
• Safest States: Here's Where California Ranks

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