Staff reports 10:06 a.m.
Monday, June 10, 2024 10:06 am

CONCORD - The 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual KIDS COUNT Data Book today ranked New Hampshire the #1 state in the country for child well-being for a second year in a row, prompting a jubilant Governor Chris Sununu to hail the good news.

"Every Granite Stater should take pride in the fact that New Hampshire is recognized nationally as putting our kids first and opening as many doors of opportunity as possible for their success," said Governor Chris Sununu. "From education to mental health, child care, and so much more, we've redesigned our systems to make sure they meet the needs of our kids. This report proves not just that we've been successful, but that we're the best of the best for kids and families!"

In the report released today, New Hampshire earned the following rankings:

• #1 overall state for best child well-being
• #1 for health (up two places from 2023)
• #2 for family and community
• #2 for economic well-being (up two places from 2023)
• #4 for education

The report finds that since 2019 New Hampshire has made strides in several key areas to increase economic opportunity, resiliency, and educational success for children and families. Notably, the report finds a 4% decrease in children whose parents lack secure employment, falling from 23% in 2019 to 19% in 2022.

Subsequently, the report also finds a significant reduction in the percentage of children living in high-poverty areas, falling from 2% from 2013-2017 to under 0.5% presently. The national average is 8%.