WASHINGTON DROPS TO 17TH IN NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR OVERALL CHILD WELL-BEING
Washington state ranks 17th in child well-being, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring nationwide. Despite performing above average overall, a worrying increase in the number of children without health insurance shows that Washington leaders must do more to protect access to health care for kids and families.
Key findings from the report include:
Washington ranks 26th in economic well-being. The data show that 31% of Washington kids live in households that spend more than 30% of their income on housing, up from 29% of households in 2019.
Washington ranks 31st in education, down from 27th based on data from 2023. Both the number of 3- and 4-year-olds not in school (57% in Washington state in 2024 versus 54% nationally in 2024) and the percentage of high school students not graduating on time (17% in Washington state in 2023-2024 versus 13% nationally in 2023-2024) are above national averages.
Washington ranks 10th in health. While Washington’s performance in three out of the four indicators for child health remains steady, the stark increase in children without health insurance is a significant driver in our falling ranking overall. Notably, the increase in uninsured children from 3% in 2023 to 4% in 2024 is the first time this indicator has moved in a negative direction in over a decade.
Washington ranks 9th in family and community: Notably, the number of children living in high poverty areas was down to 2% according to data from 2020-2024, compared to 7% nationally.
The Data Book focuses on the most recent data available from 2024. Therefore, the numbers do not reflect the current reality for kids and families impacted by federal cuts to vital programs that have already come into effect. The reductions to Medicaid and SNAP included in H.R.1 will result in more children losing access to health care and nutrition assistance, leading to rising costs for families and increases in child hunger.
Children’s Alliance is the Washington state partner for KIDS COUNT®. Check out the full Data Book for more information about child well-being in Washington and across the nation. Stay tuned for more analysis of our state’s data coming soon!