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June 12, 2025 |
By: Gavin McGough
The Kids Count Data Book shows progress and setbacks for Missouri Youth
Results from annual nationwide analysis show both progress and setbacks for Missouri Youth. The Kids Count Data Book tracks indicators of child wellbeing in categories of education, health, family, and economics. Kids in the Show-Me-State are experiencing lower levels of poverty, down from 17 percent in 2019 to 14 percent today. Meanwhile, kids across the nation suffered in educational outcomes. Fewer students are proficient in math and reading, which could be tied to learning losses during the pandemic. Those declines are reflected in Missouri, where only one quarter of students meet proficiency benchmarks. Director of Projects for Missouri Kids Count, Tracy Greever-Rice says the survey's purpose is advocacy.The Annie E Casey Foundation, which runs the survey, marks Missouri 27th in child well-being overall. To our north, Iowa and Nebraska appear to be serving kids better. They ranked 9th and tenth, respectively. Kansas came in at 14th. New England states topped the list, with New Hampshire deemed best in the nation for childhood wellbeing.
