WASHINGTON FALLS IN NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR OVERALL CHILD WELL-BEING

Our state has dropped to 16th in the nation for overall child well-being, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring in post-pandemic America. The data show Washington leaders must do more to provide the support and resources children need to thrive in school and life.

Key findings from the report include:

●      Washington ranks 27th in education, down from 26th in the 2024 Data Book. Notably, Washington falls short in early learning participation, with 57% of children aged 3 and 4 not enrolled in preschool, compared to 54% nationally. Research consistently shows that early learning lays the foundation for later academic success, which may help explain why gaps persist through high school, where 16% of Washington students fail to graduate on time, compared to 13% nationally.

●      Washington ranks 9th in health, down from 4th in the 2024 Data Book. Most concerningly, child and teen death rates have risen to 29 per 100,000 – a 38% increase since 2019. However, our state continues to be a leader in health insurance coverage with 97% of children covered.  

●      Washington ranks 30th in economic well-being. The data show that 31% of Washington kids live in households with a high housing cost burden compared to 30% of kids nationally. Importantly, Washington’s 31% figure is up from 29% in 2019.

●      Washington ranks 11th in family and community: Notably, the percentage of children living in high-poverty areas was down to 2% according to data from 2019-23, compared to 8% nationally.

In its 36th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed and which strategies are making a difference. Children’s Alliance encourages lawmakers and officials in Washington to use this detailed information to unite across party lines and respond with initiatives that invest in young people. By offering a local road map, the Data Book equips policymakers, advocates and communities with the information they need to make decisions that help kids and young people thrive.

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!