The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its annual KIDS COUNT Data Book. 16 indicators are tracked. This year’s report revealed that children in the United States continue to make gains in education and health despite a growing poverty rate. The report was expanded to include American’s youngest children.
New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts ranked highest for overall child well-being in the report. Nevada, Mississippi and New Mexico ranked lowest.
Here’s how high plains states faired. Note: 1 is the best, 50 is the worst.
KIDS COUNT Overall Ranking
- Colorado: 41
- Kansas: 16
- Nebraska: 8
- Oklahoma: 36
- Texas: 42
New Hampshire is number 1.
Overall Economic Well-Being Ranking
- Colorado: 19
- Kansas: 8
- Nebraska: 4
- Oklahoma: 25
- Texas: 30
North Dakota is number 1.
Education Ranking (Based on standard test scores)
- Colorado: 9
- Kansas: 11
- Nebraska: 17
- Oklahoma: 40
- Texas: 31
Massachusetts is number 1.
Health Ranking
- Colorado: 42
- Kansas: 26
- Nebraska: 10
- Oklahoma: 43
- Texas: 36
Maine is number 1.
Family and Community Ranking
- Colorado: 21
- Kansas: 23
- Nebraska: 15
- Oklahoma: 39
- Texas: 48
New Hampshire is number 1.
Detailed information can be found at KIDS COUNT data center.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization, dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. It was established in 1948 by Jim Casey, one of the founders of UPS, and his siblings, who named the Foundation in honor of their mother.
