Connecticut Youth Are Beating the Odds in New National Study

According to a new WalletHub study, some parts of the country are giving young people a much harder path into adulthood than others.

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The study compared all 50 states and D.C. using seven key factors to determine where youth are thriving—and where they’re struggling the most.

The factors WalletHub used include:

• Percentage of disconnected youth (not in school or working)

• Percentage of youth without a high school diploma

• Percentage of overweight and obese youth

• Percentage of youth drug users

• Youth labor force participation rate

• Youth poverty rate

• Percentage of homeless youth

The results highlight just how much geography can shape a young person’s future. In states that rank high on this list, youth are more likely to face serious obstacles, including limited job opportunities, poor health outcomes, and a lack of educational support.

States With the Most At-Risk Youth:

1. Louisiana

2. Oklahoma

3. New Mexico

4. South Dakota

5. Arkansas

These states landed at the bottom due to high rates of poverty, school non-completion, youth disconnection, and other economic challenges. In some areas, more than 15% of young adults are neither working nor in school, which can lead to long-term instability.

States With the Least At-Risk Youth:

1. New Jersey

2. New Hampshire

3. Minnesota

4. Connecticut

5. Nebraska

   Source: WalletHub

   These states ranked best overall for keeping young people engaged, educated, and on a healthier path. Strong support systems and access to resources seem to make a huge difference here.

   One standout in the report? Connecticut. The Nutmeg State had the lowest percentage of overweight and obese youth in the entire country—a sign that at least one major health challenge is being handled better here than anywhere else.

   What does it all mean? It means you found your answer, this is why you live here. This is why you leak money like a boat with a torpedo hole in it. It's all about the kids and they simply have it better here.