Schools

NH No Longer No. 1 for Children in National Survey

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual "Kids Count" survey ranked the Granite State No. 4 after it spent a decade in the top spot.

Massachusetts supplanted New Hampshire as the best state for children in the annual "Kids Count" report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The Granite State, which held the top spot for 10 years, slipped to No. 4. 

"Negative trends in economic well-being continue to significantly impact the vitality of New Hampshire’s children and families," the report found. 

The following statistics were reported for the Granite State:

  • The child poverty rate surged from 9 percent to 16 percent between 2005 and 2012
  • The number of children whose parents lack secure employment increased by 24 percent since 2008
  • The state saw a 6 percent increase in the number of children living with single parents
Still, the survey singled out areas where New Hampshire excelled.

"More children are attending preschool, the number of children without health insurance declined and the number of teens who abuse alcohol and drugs also decreased," the report found.

The report ranked all 50 states based on factors like financial support, education, and health care.

Here's the "Kids Count" rankings for all New England states:
  • 1. Massachusetts
  • 2. Vermont
  • 4. New Hampshire
  • 7. Connecticut
  • 14. Maine
  • 26. Rhode Island


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