Insights on Achieving the American Dream: A New Study

A recent study sheds light on what it really takes to attain the American Dream and even points toward the most favorable states for starting a family.

The report highlights a stark contrast: while blue states have been grappling with rising divorce rates and weakened family structures, red states are experiencing increased economic mobility, superior educational outcomes, and lower crime rates. This information comes from the 2026 Family Structure Index, announced by the Ohio-based Center for Christian Virtue.

Conducted in partnership with the Family Research Institute, the report focuses on key issues: marriage rates, family stability, and birth rates. Additionally, it examines factors like cost of living and religious engagement, revealing significant state-by-state disparities that influence “the health and achievability of the American Dream.”

CCV President Aaron Baer commented that this report should alert policymakers and community leaders nationwide.

Taxes and Economic Outcomes

Baer emphasized that government initiatives alone won’t suffice in replacing strong family units. He asserted that no amount of paid family leave or social programs can substitute for the foundational role of families. If these measures were effective, states like California and New York would be flourishing, but the data suggests otherwise. To genuinely tackle poverty and boost opportunities, he believes we must reinforce those institutions that have always bolstered America: faith, family, and economic freedom.

Interestingly, just a third of Americans feel optimistic about the American Dream, illustrating a geographic divide. For instance, red states like Utah score high on family stability, while blue states like New Mexico lag considerably.

The Rocky Mountain and Great Plains states generally showcase elevated marriage and birth rates. Following Utah, the other top states for family stability are Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. In contrast, the bottom five states are Vermont, Nevada, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and New Mexico.

Such differences seem to be influencing where people choose to settle. For example, South Carolina has seen its marriage rate rise, positively impacting its rank on this index, while Hawaii’s high housing costs and plummeting marriage rates have contributed to a decrease in prices.

Family Dynamics Matter

As pressures mount, more individuals are relocating from high-cost blue states to more affordable red ones. Baer remarked that strong families form the bedrock of a healthy society and the weakening of family structures tends to affect schools, communities, and local economies. However, he also stressed that solutions exist, hinting at pathways forward.

The report reveals a clear connection between family structures and economic success. States with a high number of married parents tend to have lower child poverty rates and stronger educational and economic outcomes. Conversely, regions with higher rates of single-parent households face ongoing long-term challenges.

Other interesting trends emerged as well. States with high religious engagement generally enjoy higher birth rates, while areas with expensive housing markets tend to see declining birth rates. Moreover, education impacts family stability; adults with college degrees are more likely to establish secure family units.

Since 2000, the overall index score has dropped from 100 to 87.3, indicating a decline in family size. While marriage rates appear to have stabilized recently, birth rates continue to go down, posing potential long-term issues for future generations.

A spokesperson for CCV noted that these trends aren’t confined to any specific region or political affiliation, highlighting a universal challenge. The findings point toward a need for policy adjustments aimed at fortifying families and the economy.

A Call for Change

Baer concluded with a note about the lessons that should be learned going forward. Both red and blue states should promote affordable housing, ensure access to well-paying jobs, maintain low taxes, and expand educational opportunities.

Families with stable parents are far more likely to graduate from college and achieve middle-class status. In fact, married adults are about 80% less likely to experience poverty in comparison to singles.

Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia and the study’s lead researcher, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted that states excelling in family stability enjoy significantly lower child poverty rates and better economic mobility.

Many still feel disillusioned with the notion of the American Dream. Since 1980, the percentage of adults aged 25 to 54 who can afford to buy homes has declined. Just about half of those born in the 1980s earn more than their parents, a striking drop from 90% for those born in the 1940s.

Between 2000 and 2010, marriage rates fell sharply, with a further 17% decline over the subsequent decade, coinciding with a nearly 50% drop in upward mobility over two generations.

Baer summed it up succinctly: “This isn’t merely a statistical issue; it’s about real children and futures. If we hope for our country to prosper, we need to prioritize strengthening marriage and supporting families throughout every community.”