How Connecticut Ranks As The Best State For Child Privilege

Connecticut Kids: The Most Privileged in the Nation?

According to a new study from WalletHub, Connecticut has the most privileged children in America. We did it, Nutmeg State!

WalletHub looked at 25 key indicators of “neediness” to figure out which states are struggling the most when it comes to child welfare — and which ones are getting it right. Things like how many kids are in foster care, how many live in poverty, child food insecurity rates, homelessness, and even the percentage of kids who’ve been maltreated.

Get our free mobile app

It’s not a pretty picture in a lot of places. In the U.S., 1 in 7 kids live in poverty. Every 54 seconds, a child is abused or neglected. Some states are trying to fix it. Others, not so much. WalletHub ranked all 50 states (plus D.C.) and at the very bottom of the list — meaning the best place to be a kid — is Connecticut.

That’s right: we are officially home to the most privileged children in the entire country. Not New York, not California — Connecticut.

Here’s the top when it comes to privileged children:

1. Connecticut
2. New Jersey
3. New Hampshire
4. Maryland
5. Utah
6. Virginia
7. Minnesota
8.Wisconsin
9. Massachusetts
10. Delaware

Meanwhile, here are the states WalletHub says are struggling the most:

1. New Mexico
2. Alaska
3. Louisiana
4. Oklahoma
5. Mississippi
6. West Virginia
7. District of Columbia
8. Arkansas
9. Nevada
10.Kentucky

Source: WalletHub

So, what does this mean in real life? It means that while a lot of kids across the country are facing some heartbreaking challenges, Connecticut is doing something right. We’re talking access to education, health care, food, safety, and stability — all the things every kid should have, but unfortunately, not every kid does.

I know the word "privilege" can set off all kinds of debates these days, but let’s be real — if you’re a parent, it’s exactly what you want for your kids. It’s not a bad thing. It’s the goal. Every parent wants their child to grow up safe, healthy, and with a shot at a good life.

And hey, it’s not every day Connecticut lands at the top of a national list for something good — so let’s enjoy this one.

Rich Is Better! Connecticut's 50 Wealthiest Neighborhoods 2024

You might have heard the saying, "I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better." While I've only experienced one side of that equation and it's not the more favorable, I still find the wealth in Connecticut intriguing. If you share my curiosity, you'll be interested to explore the 50 wealthiest neighborhoods in Connecticut. This isn't a general list of towns but a curated selection of the top 50 richest neighborhoods in the Nutmeg State, as identified by Forbes.

Note: This list covers neighborhoods ranked from 10 to 1, plus a few additional ones in the Greater-Danbury area. You can find the full list from 50 to 1 at the bottom of this article.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano