These 10 States Are the Best Places to Be a Woman in 2025
Backed by data, rankings based on healthcare, equal pay, poverty levels & workplace policies
Not every state in the U.S. supports women equally, and I’m not just talking about vibes.
A new study by Intimate Rose (yep, the women’s health company) pulled data from sources like Oxfam America, the Commonwealth Fund, and the National Women’s Law Center to figure out exactly how each state stacks up. They looked at four key factors: healthcare access (35%), workers’ rights (30%), poverty rates among women (20%), and wage inequality (15%), and used those to calculate an overall score for each state.
The results are eye-opening. Some states are really pulling their weight when it comes to protecting and empowering women. Others… not so much. But today we’re focusing on the top 10 best states to be a woman, and why they made the cut. Let’s count ’em down.
10. Illinois
Final Score: 61.73
Illinois earned its spot in the top 10 with a solid mix of strong healthcare access and workplace protections. The state’s been working to close the gender wage gap and offers decent support for things like paid leave. If you’re a woman looking for career opportunities and decent healthcare, Illinois isn’t a bad place to land.
9. Hawaii
Final Score: 61.90
Honestly, Hawaii being on this list doesn’t surprise me. Not only is it gorgeous, but it also offers comprehensive healthcare and has a lower poverty rate among women compared to a lot of other states. Life’s just a little more balanced here, from the wellness options to the scenery.
8. Oregon
Final Score: 62.59
Oregon is doing a lot of things right. The state has strong workplace protections, solid healthcare options, and some progressive policies that are genuinely making life better for women. If you’re looking for a state that prioritizes equity and the outdoors, Oregon might just be calling your name.
7. New Jersey
Final Score: 63.01
New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind for gender equality, but it’s making real progress. Paid family leave, strong protections against workplace discrimination, and policies that actually support women’s health have helped it land a spot in the top 10.
6. Delaware
Final Score: 63.37
Small but mighty, Delaware is quietly climbing the ranks for women’s rights. The state offers strong economic and healthcare support systems for women, including fair pay laws and programs aimed at helping working moms.
5. Arizona
Final Score: 64.14
Arizona has been stepping it up. There’s better access to women’s healthcare services, growing support for female entrepreneurs, and mentorship programs that help women climb the ladder. Plus, the state is actively working to close the wage gap. Love to see it.
4. Florida
Final Score: 65.75
Florida’s one of the more surprising names on this list, but the data doesn’t lie. The state is seeing a rise in women-owned businesses, and there are more healthcare options available than people might assume. There’s still room to grow, but it’s clear Florida is making progress, especially in the economic space.
3. Alaska
Final Score: 69.96
Alaska might seem like a curveball here, but it’s actually doing a lot to support women. There’s strong healthcare access (even in remote areas), a lower poverty rate among women, and real efforts to create job opportunities through training programs.
2. California
Final Score: 70.01
California makes sense. The state’s been leading the charge with paid family leave, higher minimum wages, and policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap. Add in solid mental and physical healthcare options, and it’s clear why California is always in the conversation when it comes to women’s rights.
1. Nevada
Final Score: 79.36
Nevada takes the crown. With strong economic opportunities, solid healthcare access, and a focus on pay equity (women here make about $0.85 for every dollar men earn, which is better than the national average), Nevada is truly setting the bar. The state is also investing in programs to help women start businesses and move up in their careers. If you’re looking for a place that actually walks the walk, this is it
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