The City Scorecard: Where Women Thrive

Living in a city where women can feel safe, empowered, and economically stable. Sounds like a utopia, right? Well, a recent study by WalletHub has revealed the top and bottom cities in the US when it comes to female-friendly living. The results are intriguing, to say the least. The study analyzed 182 cities across 15 metrics, including personal safety, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare. The top city? Columbia, Maryland, with a score of 76. 31 out of 100. But what makes it so special? For starters, Columbia has the highest median annual wages for women at $59,230 (adjusted for cost of living). The job market is also thriving, with an unemployment rate of 4% – the 17th-lowest in the country. What's more, 24% of businesses are owned by women, the sixth-highest percentage in the US. But it's not just about the Benjamins. Columbia also boasts an impressive record when it comes to women's health. The city has the 10th best life expectancy for women at birth, the 12th highest share of women over 21 who have received a cervical cancer screening within the recommended period, and the 21st highest percentage who have undergone a mammogram in the past two years. And then there's the fun stuff – Columbia has the sixth-highest percentage of women who are physically active, with nearly 85% of the city's women getting regular exercise. Of course, not all cities are created equal. The study also revealed the 10 worst cities for women, with Jackson, Mississippi, taking the top spot with a dismal score of 23. 41. But what's behind this ranking? According to WalletHub analyst Christie Matherne, "Living in the right city can significantly improve a woman's economic status, health, and safety. " It's clear that the right city can make a huge difference in a woman's life.