Axios: America’s children face worsening well-being across most states

Children’s wellbeing in the United States has declined since the pandemic, with a new report showing broad deterioration across states alongside limited improvements, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book.

The overall national child wellbeing score fell from 553 in 2019 to 547 in 2024, with 29 states worsening and 15 improving, the report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation found, Axios reports.

The findings point to uneven progress across economic, health, education, and family indicators, amid rising concerns over household costs and access to support services.

Children’s wellbeing is closely tied to long-term economic outcomes. Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs at the foundation, said:

"Research shows that kids who are healthy, safe, fed, educated and surrounded by strong family relationships have a much better chance to thrive and contribute as independent adults,"

"We know that today's children are tomorrow's workforce so the strength of the economy in the future is tied to the well-being of kids today,"

The report measures outcomes across economic wellbeing, education, health, and family and community. The 2026 edition tracks changes from 2019 to 2024.

Health scores declined from 624 to 607, while education fell sharply from 518 to 417. Economic wellbeing rose slightly from 551 to 557, and family and community indicators increased from 518 to 608.

The share of children in cost-burdened households rose from 30% to 31%, affecting 22.4 million children. Child and teen deaths increased by 8%, with researchers linking the rise partly to mental health challenges.

Boissiere said: "Some positive trends in terms of states that are investing in providing mental health professionals in school systems."

Regional gaps remain wide: 11 of the 15 lowest-ranked states are in the South, though some improved, including South Carolina, which recorded the largest gain.

New Mexico ranked 49th but improved on economic measures, while Mississippi remained last but saw gains in education tied to long-term school reforms.

Data from the Georgetown University Centre for Children and Families suggests fewer children are enrolled in Medicaid, with rising uninsured rates.

Boissiere warned: "Early data does raise some concerns about what's going to happen in terms of child well-being and outcomes for children."

She added: "Particularly around the economic security in a time when we know costs are rising for food and housing and basic necessities."

Overall, researchers say trends remain mixed, with outcomes closely linked to state investment levels. "There's a direct correlation between how states invest in children and how kids are doing."