Children's wellbeing slips across the U.S.
Summary
A report shows children's wellbeing in the U.S. has declined from 2019 to 2024 in areas such as health and education, with 29 states worse off than before the COVID pandemic. Some states improved by investing in programs for children, but rising costs and fewer safety-net supports are creating challenges for many families.Key Facts
- Children's wellbeing dropped nationally from a score of 553 to 547 between 2019 and 2024.
- Wellbeing declined in 29 states and improved in 15 states.
- Child and teen deaths increased by 8% during this time, signaling mental health challenges.
- Reading and math skills fell in 47 states, contributing to a big drop in education scores.
- More children (22.4 million) lived in households struggling to afford housing and food.
- Family and community support scores improved, as did economic wellbeing scores slightly.
- Some Southern states showed big improvements in wellbeing after investing in education and family support.
- Teen birth rates fell by 24% in recent years, continuing a long-term decline credited to ongoing programs.
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