Indiana's overall child well-being improves, with high rankings in economic and education
Research suggests that children and youth engaged in formal mentoring programs, especially those involved for a year or more, reported significantly fewer behavioral problems and fewer symptoms of depression and social anxiety when compared to non-mentored youths. (Getty Images)
A state-by-state report shows Indiana child well-being has improved with its highest rankings in over a decade for both economic and education categories. But it remains in the bottom half for health and family and community — indicating progress and opportunities to do better for Hoosier children.
The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book ranked Indiana 25th overall for child well-being, slightly improving from 27th in 2024. In 2022 and 2021, the state ranked 28th and 29th.
The report is developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in partnership with organizations across the country, including the Indiana Youth Institute. It aims to evaluate where there is progress and what needs greater support among four domains: economics, education, health and family and community. It ranks the national and state data among 16 indicators which are combined under the four domains.
This year, Indiana ranked 11th in both economic and education, an increase from 15th and 17th last year, respectively.
'This year's KIDS COUNT rankings reflect encouraging momentum … demonstrating that investments in children and families make a meaningful impact,' said Tami Silverman, president and CEO of Indiana Youth Institute. 'We know what kids need to grow up healthy and connected so they can thrive as adults: stable homes, strong schools, nutritious food, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn, play, and grow. Programs that meet these needs are smart investments, fostering long-term gains like workforce development and economic growth.'
Nationally, states showed the most improvement in family and community. However, education worsened across the board, with declines in student proficiency in math and reading.
New Hampshire and Vermont were ranked among the best in overall child well-being, while New Mexico and Louisiana were ranked lowest.
Indiana's economic indicators showed slight increases and was better than the national data in all four categories. In 2023, the number of children in poverty — 239,000 or 15% — remained similar to prior data in 2019.
Meanwhile, fewer teens were out of school or work, and more parents had secure employment in 2023. However, the percentage of children living in households burdened by high housing costs increased from 21% in 2019 to 23% in 2023.
Indiana data showed better performances in education than national averages, ranking 11th among other states. But individual indicators were worse compared to prior year data.
Eighth-grade math proficiency dropped, with 69% not being proficient compared to 63% in 2019. Similarly, 66% fourth graders were not proficient in reading, as compared to 63% in 2019.
The percentage of high school students not graduating on time improved slightly, similarly to national trends.
Indiana also performed worse in the percentage of young children ages 3 and 4 not in school, 60% compared to 59% in prior data.
Indiana's health rankings align with national trends in children and teens between 10 and 17 who are overweight or obese and low birth-weight babies.
The state is below average for children without health insurance showing 6% are without. Nationally 5% of children don't have health insurance.
Indiana averaged 34 deaths for children and teens per 100,000, marking an increase compared to 29 deaths in prior data.
Indiana remained near the bottom nationally in family and community ranking 31st — unchanged from last year. Although each indicator improved and is performing slightly better than national data.
In 2023, the state was home to more than 1.59 million children under 18. Of that, 33% are children in single-parent families and 7% of children live in high-poverty areas, which decreased from years before. Nationally, 34% of children are in single-parent families and 11% of children live in high poverty areas.
'When Indiana's kids and families thrive, our entire state moves forward,' Silverman said. 'These rankings are a reminder that while we're seeing real gains in key areas, we must continue to focus on what works—ensuring that every child and every family has the support they need to grow, contribute, and thrive.'
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