In a recent report released by WalletHub, a personal finance website, Texas has found itself among the top five ‘worst states’ for women to reside in. The study, conducted in light of Women’s History Month, examined 25 key metrics to gauge the female-friendliness of each state, and the findings paint a sobering picture for women considering a move to the Lone Star State.
Out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Texas ranked a dismal 47th, indicating its place among the least favorable states for women to live in, as per the metrics analyzed.
The report delved into various aspects of women’s well-being, including median earnings for female workers, access to healthcare, and safety. Among the critical findings for Texas were:
19th – Median Earnings for Female Workers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
44th – Unemployment Rate for Women
40th – Share of Women in Poverty
20th – High School Graduation Rate for Women
35th – Share of Women Who Voted in the 2020 Presidential Election
51st – Female Uninsured Rate
31st – Women’s Life Expectancy at Birth
23rd – Quality of Women’s Hospitals
41st – Women’s Preventive Health Care
The analysis revealed significant shortcomings in Texas, particularly in areas such as the uninsured rate for women, the prevalence of women in poverty, and the quality of women’s healthcare facilities. Despite some positive indicators such as median earnings for female workers and high school graduation rates, these disparities underscore the challenges faced by women in the state.
The report also shed light on other states grappling with similar issues. Oklahoma emerged as the most challenging state for women, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, each plagued by distinct obstacles ranging from unequal pay to limited access to reproductive rights and healthcare.
Cassandra Happe, an analyst involved in the study, emphasized the importance of addressing these disparities, stating, “Women in the U.S. still face a lot of adversity, so living in the right state can greatly impact their quality of life. The best states for women provide equitable economic conditions, encourage robust political participation, have quality healthcare, and ensure safety for the women who reside there.”
While Texas exhibits strengths in certain areas, there remains a pressing need for improvement to foster a more conducive environment for women. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step towards building a more equitable future for women across all states.
