WalletHub Ranks Columbia Best U.S. City for Women
WalletHub Ranks Columbia Best U.S. City for Women
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Key Points
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Columbia received a WalletHub score of 78.20, the highest among the 182 cities evaluated.
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Columbia’s median annual wage for women was $63,920, while its female poverty rate was 8.2%—the nation’s eighth-lowest—and its female unemployment rate was just over 3%, ranking 17th-lowest.
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About 23% of businesses in Columbia are owned by women, and the city ranked 10th nationally for women’s life expectancy at birth and 12th for the share of women receiving cervical cancer screenings within the recommended timeframe.
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Raleigh’s overall score was 67.19; it ranked first nationally for women’s preventive healthcare, sixth for women’s economic and social well-being and 10th for the share of women-owned businesses, but 93rd for the female uninsured rate.
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Fayetteville was North Carolina’s lowest-ranked city, placing 138th nationally with a score of 45.82, while Jackson, Mississippi, had the lowest overall score at 24.17.
Columbia, Maryland, has claimed the top spot as the best U.S. city for women for the third year running, according to WalletHub's 2026 analysis of 182 cities. The Baltimore suburb scored 78.20 out of 100, driven by women's median earnings of $63,920, a female poverty rate of just 8.2%, and strong healthcare access and life expectancy metrics.
The rankings across 15 economic, social, health and safety measures reveal stark national disparities. Women nationwide earn less than men, with particularly large pay gaps affecting Black and Latina women, experts say. Among North Carolina cities, Raleigh ranked eighth nationally at 67.19, while Jackson, Mississippi, placed last with a score of 24.17.
Columbia's Economic and Healthcare Advantages
Columbia's top ranking rests on strong female earning power and low joblessness. Women's median annual wage reached $63,920, while female unemployment stood just above 3%, ranking 17th-lowest nationally. The city's female poverty rate of 8.2% was the eighth-lowest in the nation, according to WalletHub's data.
Healthcare access bolstered Columbia's score significantly. The city ranked 10th nationally for women's life expectancy and 12th for cervical cancer screening rates within recommended timeframes. Additionally, about 23% of Columbia businesses are owned by women, reflecting strong entrepreneurship.
North Carolina Cities Show Mixed Performance
Among North Carolina's ranked cities, Raleigh emerged as the clear leader at eighth nationally with a score of 67.19. CBS17 reported the city ranked first nationwide for women's preventive healthcare access. Raleigh also scored sixth for women's economic and social well-being and 10th for women-owned business share.
However, Raleigh faced challenges: it ranked 93rd for female uninsured rates. Durham placed 20th nationally, while Charlotte reached 25th. Greensboro lagged significantly at 125th, and Fayetteville was North Carolina's lowest-ranked city at 138th with a score of 45.82, according to WalletHub's analysis.
National Disparities and Lowest-Ranked Cities
WalletHub's rankings exposed persistent wage and healthcare gaps across America. Black and Latina women face the largest pay gaps compared to male peers. Experts emphasize that affordable child and elder care, paid family leave, and workplace flexibility are critical for improving outcomes nationwide.
At the bottom of the rankings, Jackson, Mississippi, scored 24.17, the lowest overall. Huntington, West Virginia, also ranked among the nation's worst cities for women based on the same economic, social, health and safety measures. Seattle ranked second nationally and Fremont, California, placed third after Columbia's commanding lead.
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