6 States Where Parents Need the Least Income for One Parent To Stay Home

Crystal Mayer

Sun, February 22, 2026 at 9:55 PM GMT+9 3 min read

It comes as no surprise to most parents that the cost of childcare is exorbitant. A study by ChildCare Aware of America found that the average price of child care in the US was $13,128. Accordingly, parents making a median income would pay 10% of their salary to afford just one year of care. For single parents, the burden is even greater, with an estimated 35% of their income going to childcare costs.

These figures do not even take into account other costs associated with raising a child such as transportation, health care and food. Given the jaw dropping amounts, many parents find it more affordable to stay home with the kids. Here are six states where parents need the least income for one parent to stay home, according to SmartAsset.

West Virginia

For families in West Virginia, the single income needed for one parent to stay home was $68,099, allowing it to rank first on the list. The income needed across two working parents in The Mountain State was $78,998 and the cost of raising a child for two working parents was $22,422. It is important to note that the figures factor in a two-parent household raising one child.

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Arkansas

Ranking second on the list for states where the least amount of income is needed for a parent to stay home was Arkansas. In the home of Razorbacks, the single income needed for one parent to stay home was $68,141, while the income needed across two working parents was $78,374. According to the SmartAsset study, the cost of raising a child for two working parents was $21,840.

Mississippi

As reported by SmartAsset, the single income needed for one parent to stay home was $70,242. The cost of raising a child for two working parents was $19,178, making it more affordable than most states. Cost of living overall is more cost effective. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living in the state is 21.3% lower than the average in the US.

Kentucky

Parents who love bluegrass and bourbon may be drawn to Kentucky. The state ranked fourth on the list for places where the least income is needed for one parent to stay home. The study found the single income needed for one parent to stay home was $70,408, while the income needed across two working parents was $79,706. Additionally, the cost of raising a child for two working parents was $20,758.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, the single income needed for one parent to stay home was $70,949. According to ChildCare Aware of North Dakota, the average cost of childcare in a center or group facility ranges between $8,349 and $10,400 depending on the age of the child. Given the high cost of care, some parents find it more economical to stay home.

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Oklahoma

Sixth on the list was Oklahoma. The single-income needed for one parent to stay home was $71,718, while the income needed for two working parents was $84,240. The cost of raising a child for two working parents was $25,210 in the state.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 States Where Parents Need the Least Income for One Parent To Stay Home

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