Indiana child well-being rank declines in national report

Indiana’s overall child well-being ranking fell to 29th nationally in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a decline of four spots from 2025 and the lowest since 2021. The report, covering data from 2019 to 2024, evaluates youth health, education, economic stability, and family/community factors. The state retained its 11th-place education ranking, though academic performance remains a concern. Sixty-six percent of fourth graders and 69% of eighth graders were not proficient in reading and math, respectively, with a six-percentage-point increase in math deficiencies since 2019. However, Indiana leads the nation in reading gains from early literacy reforms, and high school graduation rates improved, with only 11% of seniors failing to graduate on time. Health outcomes showed progress, with Indiana’s child health ranking rising to 27th due to a six-percentage-point drop in child obesity rates (now 30%) and stable health insurance coverage (6% uninsured). Yet, the state saw increases in low birth-weight babies and child/teen deaths, though the latter remains above the national trend. Economic well-being worsened, with Indiana’s ranking falling from 11th to 23rd. Child poverty rose slightly to 16% (254,000 children), and 23% of Hoosier children live in households with high housing cost burdens—still below the 31% national average. Fewer children live with parents in unstable jobs (23% in 2024 vs. 27% in 2019), but inflation has strained household budgets. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s report highlights both successes—like early education expansion efforts under Gov. Mike Braun—and areas needing improvement, such as poverty reduction and academic proficiency. Tami Silverman of the Indiana Youth Institute noted the data reflects real children’s progress and challenges, urging continued focus on equity and support.