North Carolina Cities Rank Among Worst for Raising Families

  WalletHub’s 2025 rankings on the best and worst places to raise a family revealed troubling results for several North Carolina cities. With the study assessing 182 cities based on five major dimensions, including Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability, and Socio-economics, North Carolina’s larger cities, such as Fayetteville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, landed in the bottom half. Raleigh, while faring slightly better, only managed a middling rank at 44. RELATED: Top 10 Vacation Cities in North Carolina RELATED: Four New Laws Taking Effect in North Carolina on January 1, 2025 The metrics evaluated painted a stark picture for North Carolina cities. Fayetteville stood out unfavorably at rank 166 due to a combination of high family poverty rates and limited access to top-tier educational resources. Greensboro, ranked 140, highlighted challenges with low scores in health and safety, as well as socio-economic stability. These factors often overshadowed the state’s generally moderate affordability. Even Winston-Salem, at 150, and Charlotte, at 70, struggled particularly with education and child care metrics, with few high-ranking schools and inadequate child day-care services per capita. These statistics reveal systemic issues impacting the development opportunities available for young families. The data also flagged higher crime rates in some urban centers, such as Charlotte, as a factor contributing to lower health and safety scores.

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Affordability remained North Carolina’s strongest pillar, with lower housing costs than cities like New York and Los Angeles. However, lower costs weren’t enough to offset other challenges. Families also value quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and sufficient opportunities for recreation and enrichment. Without significant investment into these areas, cities may struggle to attract or retain young families. That said, there is potential for improvement. Cities that ranked higher, such as Fremont, CA, and Overland Park, KS, excelled because of strong local economies, excellent schools, and recreational infrastructure. If North Carolina’s cities can replicate these priorities, residents may see long-term progress in becoming more suitable places for family life. For now, WalletHub’s report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and communities alike. SOURCE | WalletHub

1. Raleigh (44th)

Raleigh ranked relatively better among North Carolina cities but still struggled with challenges like affordability for families and a rising cost of living. Positive aspects include decent education options and recreational opportunities.

2. Durham (65th)

Durham’s rankings were impacted by lower safety scores and high housing costs. However, its growing economy and cultural offerings provide appeal to families seeking urban advantages.

3. Charlotte (70)

Charlotte faces hurdles with affordability and traffic issues, which lowered its rankings. While it benefits from numerous job opportunities and recreational spaces, safety and education metrics hindered its overall score.

4. Greensboro (140)

5. Winston-Salem (150)

Winston-Salem’s affordability helped offset other challenges like weaker safety scores. However, the limited availability of high-quality education affected its standing.

6. Fayetteville (166)

Fayetteville ranked the lowest among these cities, primarily due to poor safety ratings and less favorable education options. Its military presence provides some economic stability but did not improve its overall family-friendly appeal.