Being A Dad Is Tougher In Some States Than Others, New Study Ranks Best And Worst States To Be A Dad

Being a Father is hard work, and that’s why once a year we set aside a special day to honor our dads for all the hard work they do every day.

This year it’s Sunday June 21.

Some fathers, however, have an easier time than others, according to a new study that analyzed the best and worst states for working dads.

The study by WalletHub looked at several dad factors including the balance of work and home life, health conditions, financial wellbeing, child friendly environments, life expectancy and employment rates.

Researchers found Minnesota was the best state to be working father, followed by New Hampshire and Massachusetts, while Arkansas, Nevada and Mississippi were the worst three states for dads.

In most American families, dad is no longer the sole breadwinner, but his ability to provide for his family is still important.

In 2014 almost 93 percent of fathers with kids under 18 were employed, but dads in Nevada had to work seven times harder than dads in North Carolina to find a job.

Meanwhile, fathers in the District of Columbia can expect to make twice as much as those living in Hawaii.

Childcare is always an expensive burden, but it costs twice as much in New York than in Louisiana. That’s what grandma and other relatives are there for.

The ability to make money, however, isn’t the only thing that defines our fathers; we also expect them to love us and to live long enough to see their grand children. That’s a lot easier in some states than in others.

Dads in Minnesota can expect to live the longest followed by dads in Connecticut. Fathers in Alabama, however, are twice as likely to die from heart disease than dads in Colorado.

Experts agree the key to remaining healthy is to eat right and exercise; that will ensure that dad is around a lot longer although having health insurance does help.

Men living in Texas are five times more likely to be uninsured than if they lived in Massachusetts.

Spending time with father is always important, but that becomes more difficult when dad is forced to work difficult hours and has a job that requires him to travel.

Dads in New Mexico are four times more likely to be living in poverty than fathers in New Hampshire. That makes caring for their children and spending time with their families much harder.

Experts agree that its important for fathers and mothers alike to set aside specific time each week to spend with their children.

It can be tough being a father, especially in a world where men are expected to be tough and emotionally independent, but dad loves his kids, that’s why he works so hard.

All the data from the WalletHub study is available on their website, but here’s the quick list.

Best States for Working Fathers

Minnesota
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Vermont
New Jersey
Virginia
Wisconsin
Maryland
Utah
Connecticut

Worst States for Working Fathers

Arizona
Idaho
Alabama
New Mexico
Alaska
Louisiana
West Virginia
Arkansas
Nevada
Mississippi

Remember Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21.

If you’re having trouble picking out a great Father’s Day present maybe it’s time to consider a gift card, gym membership, outdoor grill, video game system or even a cruise.

For a larger list of Father’s Day gift ideas check out the Inquisitr.

[Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images]