Nevada Near Bottom for Raising Families—Is the American Dream Fading in the Silver State?

TheNevadaGlobeStaff

5 days ago

Categories: 702Times

Nevada Near Bottom for Raising Families—Is the American Dream Fading in the Silver State?

In a country that touts itself as a global leader, it’s telling when a basic life milestone—starting a family—becomes unaffordable or undesirable in certain parts of America. Nevada, unfortunately, ranks near the bottom of the barrel when it comes to being a place to raise the next generation. According to a recent WalletHub study comparing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Nevada ranks 49th overall for best states to have a baby. That’s right—second to last.

WalletHub’s report analyzed 31 metrics across four key categories: cost, health care quality and access, baby-friendliness, and family-friendliness. Nevada landed in the bottom ten across every category except for cost, where it ranked 34th. What does that say about a state where casinos run 24/7, but mothers struggle to find reliable prenatal care?

In baby-friendliness, the Silver State came in 48th—an alarming score that speaks volumes about our cultural priorities. When family values take a back seat to bureaucratic red tape and endless entertainment, it’s no wonder people are having fewer children. Combine that with a 47th place score in family-friendliness, and you’ve got a recipe for societal decline. The future of our nation depends on families—yet in Nevada, the environment seems designed to discourage them.

While one area where Nevada does stand out is the cost of cesarean deliveries, ranking 4th lowest nationwide, that narrow silver lining doesn’t make up for the glaring structural failures. Yes, it might be cheaper to give birth here if you’re insured—but what about after that? What about finding a pediatrician, affording childcare, or walking safely in a neighborhood that supports young families?

Meanwhile, Massachusetts—a blue state flush with government-run health care and elite hospitals—topped the list, bolstered by low infant and maternal mortality rates. But let’s be honest: you shouldn’t have to live in a tax-heavy, bureaucratic fortress just to find competent medical care. The truth is, families everywhere deserve better, and they deserve more freedom—not more government interference.

Until Nevada lawmakers and local leaders start prioritizing the well-being of families over flashy development deals and political theater, expect this ranking to stick. Raising a child shouldn’t feel like a luxury or a gamble—and certainly not in the state that built its economy on both.

Source: WalletHub