CT kids rank high in ‘well-being’ — but what does that mean?

Connecticut has once again ranked 8th in the nation for overall child well-being, according to the 2025 Kids Count report.

The state performed especially well in health, placing fifth among all states. But it ranked lower in other areas: 26th for economic well-being and 22nd for measures related to family and community.

Connecticut has fewer children in poverty and more high school students graduating on time. But more teens are not working or studying, and math and reading proficiency has dipped in recent years.

Other measures, such as the rate of teens not working or in school, as well as math and reading proficiency, have worsened. The percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds not in school, for example, grew from 35% to 40%.

The rate of children without health insurance, children and teens who are overweight or obese and children living in households with a high housing cost burden remained the same.

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book Interactive shows some differences based on race and the region the child lives. 

In 2024, most Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino fourth-graders in Connecticut were not proficient in reading. By this stage, children are expected to use reading to learn other subjects, according to the report. Compared to the regional average, Connecticut performs slightly better. In the Northeast region, 66% of fourth-graders were not proficient in reading, compared to 64% in Connecticut.

But when the data is broken down by race, deeper disparities are seen.

In Connecticut, poverty also disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic children. According to the latest 2023 figures, 26% of Black or African American children and 26% of Hispanic or Latino children live in poverty.