National annual rankings of child well-being were released today, and Washington ranks 18th overall. Notably, we’ve slipped in economic well-being and education, while child health is improving.

The report, from the Annie E. Casey Foundation measures child well-being using four categories: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.  Compared to other states, Washington has slipped in the rankings on 11 out of 16 indicators of child well-being, showing an increasing number of children growing up with risk factors that predict they will not succeed in the world they will inherit.

Key findings from the report include:
•    65,000 more kids in Washington are living in poverty today compared to before the recession;

•    Washington ranks 40th worst in the country for kids living in households with high housing costs;

•    Young children (age 3 and 4) in Washington are much less likely to be enrolled in preschool;

•    Washington kids have significantly dropped in the rankings on math and reading test scores and graduation rates compared to other states;

•    Health insurance coverage among children has improved dramatically in Washington, with more kids insured today compared to before the recession.

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Investing in kids is essential to Washington’s long-term prosperity and success. If they don’t succeed, Washington will become increasingly less able to compete and thrive in the global economy.

For more information, read the full report.

Kids Count in Washington is a joint partnership between the Children’s Alliance and the Budget & Policy Center. Learn more at the Kids Count in Washington website.