These 10 States Are the Best Places to Be a Woman in 2025

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 health care 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 health care, 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 health care 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.

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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 health care 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 health care 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.

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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 health care 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 health care 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 health care 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.

It’s wild how much your experience as a woman in the U.S. can depend on where you live. From health care to pay to basic protections, the state you call home can make a huge difference. This list gives me hope that progress is happening, even if it’s not happening everywhere just yet. If you're curious how these rankings compare to the best states to live in overall, I put together a full breakdown of those as well.

Yahoo CreatorLindsey PulsCreator of Have Clothes, Will TravelLindsey is a nationally syndicated freelance travel and fashion writer and regular contributor to the Associated Press Wire, MSN.com, and Yahoo. Follow

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