Indiana Ranks Low in Study of Best States for Women in 2026

If you’re wondering how well women in Indiana are faring compared to the rest of the country, WalletHub’s latest Best & Worst States for Women ranking gives us a clear (and honest) snapshot. The site looked at 25 key indicators of women’s living standards – ranging from pay equity and employment opportunities to health care quality and safety.

Indiana Ranks Low in Study of Best States for Women in 2026

In the 2026 rankings, Indiana came in at #38 overall. That means while the Hoosier State isn’t dead last, it’s definitely on the lower end of the list when you look at how well conditions support women socially, economically, and in terms of safety and health care. Indiana scores lower than average across multiple categories, especially in economic opportunities and health/safety measures that matter to women.

Where Indiana Falls Behind

While Indiana has strengths in some public health dimensions, it doesn’t quite measure up in others compared with top-performing states. WalletHub’s methodology puts real weight on life expectancy, health care access, and safety outcomes – all areas where Indiana could use improvement.

ALSO READ: Study Ranks Indiana One of the Best States to Start a Business in 2026

Ranking in the lower tier isn’t the end of the story, though — it highlights where opportunities for progress exist. From workplace equality initiatives to improving access to women-focused health care, there’s a roadmap for positive change.

Areas Where Improvement Is Needed

In 2026, Indiana’s placement tells an important story: there’s room to grow. Whether you’re planning your career, raising a family, or just curious how your state compares, these rankings offer a data-backed perspective on where women thrive – and where work remains ahead.

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Scroll over the map below to see how the rest of the country ranks, and if you'd like to take a deeper dive into the data, you can see the FULL REPORT here.