(WDNews) — Alabama’s national ranking for child well-being continues to lag, with the state seeing notable declines in education and child health, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book released Monday.
The annual report, now in its 36th year, measures child welfare in all 50 states across four key areas: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. Alabama’s overall position remains near the bottom, with setbacks in education and health driving concern among child advocates.
“The latest data on child well-being in Alabama is a compelling call to action – a clear reminder that we must continue to invest in the policies and programs that uplift all our families and build a stronger future for every child,” said Apreill Hartsfield, Alabama Kids Count director for VOICES for Alabama’s Children.
Key findings from the report include:
Education saw the steepest decline. In 2023, 82% of Alabama eighth graders were not proficient in math, up from 79% in 2019. High school students not graduating on time rose from 8% to 12%. Reading proficiency for fourth graders remained flat at 28%.
Health indicators also worsened. The percentage of uninsured children jumped from 3% in 2019 to 4% in 2023, while the number of children considered overweight or obese rose from 33% to 36%. The report notes, “The percent of uninsured children in Alabama increased by 33% in 2023 compared to 2019,” attributing the rise to the end of pandemic-era coverage and the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid.
Child and teen death rates held steady at 41 per 100,000, still significantly higher than the national rate of 29.
Economic well-being showed mixed results. The percentage of children in households burdened by housing costs rose slightly to 25%. However, more children had parents with stable jobs, climbing from 69% to 71%.
Family and community measures improved across the board. Teen birth rates dropped from 26% to 20%, and fewer children lived in high-poverty areas or homes without a high school graduate. Still, Alabama ranked 44th nationally in this category.
VOICES for Alabama’s Children is calling on state leaders to act. The group’s press release urges greater investment in women’s health services, expanded health care access, and policy efforts to tackle rising housing costs.
“Policies that promote adequate housing, encompassing affordability, safety, comfort, accessibility, and cultural suitability, are essential for meeting basic needs and supporting families in achieving economic stability,” the report states.
The full 2024 Kids Count Data Book is available through the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
