Kids Count Data Book

Indiana’s children are faring better than they were a year ago, according to an annual review of child well-being. The State of the Child presentation at the Indiana Statehouse this week highlighted new data that examines youth outcomes including health, education, economic and family factors.

The Indiana Youth Institute said there’s some good and some bad in this year’s Kids Count Data Book. Among the positives: Indiana’s median household income grew and child poverty is at its lowest in a decade.

More Indiana students graduate on time, but the state has lost ground in other key educational areas. A national report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Indiana 17th in the country for education.

The Indiana Kids Count Data Book takes a deep dive into four measures including health, education, economic well-being, family and community.

This year's annual national rankings measure improvement in the wellbeing of Indiana children. The 2023 Kids Count Data Book compares all 50 states in measures including economic well-being, education, health and family, and community. Indiana came in at 24 overall.

State numbers show nearly a quarter of LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide. The numbers come in a year when lawmakers filed more than two dozen bills with anti-LGBTQ+ themes.

The report also shows high rates of obesity, shortages in child care and an increase in students seriously considering suicide.

According to a Muncie community activist, Eldred Jones has done what society says she shouldn’t be able to do – raise nine high-achieving Black children in Indiana.

The state data book is usually released in January or early February. This year an extended census due to the pandemic pushed the release of the full book to April.

Each year, the Indiana Youth Institute works with state and national organizations to create a comprehensive look at issues affecting children.