The clear correlation between strong families and a strong economy is no surprise. A study titled “Strong Families, Prosperous States,” published by the American Enterprise Institute, finds that states with higher rates of married-parent families track closely with higher levels of economic growth, lower incidence of child poverty, and higher median family income: “In states across the country, strong families foster more broadly shared prosperity and give children a better shot at achieving the American Dream.”

The study found the link between marriage and economic growth particularly strong among young adults, ages 25-35. The takeaway is that states with a greater proportion of married adults receive an economic boost, and young married families add an extra kick. Violent crime is less prevalent in states with a greater proportion of families headed by married parents. States at the top counted 343 violent crimes per 100,000 persons, while the rate was 563 for states at the bottom. Wedding vows encourage young men in particular to kick their rowdy habits.

Means-tested benefits, which under Mr. Obama go to nearly 110 million Americans, hardly motivate young parents to get up early to add to the family fortune. Neither do campaigns to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The marriage penalty for welfare programs, which can cost recipients a third of their benefits if they choose to marry, must be eliminated. The “success sequence,” which the Brookings Institution says encourages young adults to pursue education, work, marriage and parenthood, result in happy families. Prosperity is not the cause but the result of strong families.