New KIDS COUNT Index Reveals Where States Are Making Progress for Children

June 8, 2026 - 03:53

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, offering a fresh look at how children are faring across the United States. The annual report tracks state-by-state progress in four key areas: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community life. This year's index reveals a mixed picture of gains and persistent challenges.

Several states in the Northeast and upper Midwest continue to lead the rankings, with New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont taking the top spots. These states show strong outcomes in child health insurance coverage, reading and math proficiency, and lower rates of child poverty. Meanwhile, states in the South and Southwest, including Mississippi, New Mexico, and Louisiana, remain at the bottom of the index, struggling with high poverty rates and lower educational achievement.

One notable bright spot is the continued decline in the number of children without health insurance. The national uninsured rate for children dropped to a historic low, thanks in part to expanded Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment. However, the report warns that recent policy changes and funding cuts could reverse this progress.

Economic well-being saw modest gains, with fewer children living in households with high housing costs. But the data also shows that racial and ethnic disparities remain stubbornly wide. Black, Hispanic, and Native American children are far more likely to live in poverty and face barriers to quality education and health care than their white peers.

The report urges states to invest in proven strategies like home visiting programs, affordable child care, and mental health services for youth. It also calls for better data collection to track outcomes for all children, especially those in rural and underserved communities. While the index shows some progress, the authors stress that too many children still lack the basic supports needed to thrive.