2025 Kids Count Data Book results released for Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2025 Kids Count Data Book for Indiana was released Monday morning.

The annual report analyzes how kids are faring in post-pandemic America. The report is developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Indiana Youth Institute leads the data collection and analysis. 

This year, Indiana ranks 25th overall in child well-being, compared to Indiana’s 2024 overall child well-being rank of 27.

Researchers look at four main domains in the Kids Count Data Book: family and community, health, economic well-being and education. Each domain includes four indicators for a total of 16 key indicators. 

According to the report, since 2019, seven of the 16 key indicators have improved, six have worsened and three have stayed the same. 

Here’s a breakdown of each: 

In economic well-being, Indiana ranks 11th, which is up from 15th last year. 

Compared to prior data from 2019, Indiana is the “same” for children in poverty, “better” for children whose parents lack secure employment, “worse” for children living in households with a high housing cost burden and “better” for teens not in school and not working. 

In education, Indiana ranks 11th, which is up from 17th last year. However, three out of the four indicators have worsened since 2019. 

Compared to prior data, Indiana is “worse” for young children (ages 3 and 4) who are not in school, “worse” for fourth graders not proficient in reading and “worse” for eighth graders not proficient in math.

On the flip side, Indiana is “better” for high school students graduating on time. 

In health, Indiana ranks 30th, which is up from 32nd last year. 

Compared to prior data, Indiana is “worse” for low birth-weight babies, “better” for children without health insurance, “worse” for child and teen deaths per 100,000 and “better” for children and teens (ages 10 to 17) who are overweight or obese.

Its ranking for family and community is 31st, which is the same as last year. 

“This year’s KIDS COUNT rankings reflect encouraging momentum. Indiana rose to 11th in both economic well-being and education – our highest rankings in these indicators in over a decade – 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.”

Overall, Indiana shows steady progress in some areas, setbacks in others and areas to do better. 

“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.”

For more information about Kids Count, or to look at the full report, click here.