The well-being of Texas children is essential to the future of our state. Recent years have presented significant challenges for Texas’ youngest residents, particularly in areas of economic stability, health, and education. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Texas declined from 43rd to 45th in national rankings for overall child well-being between 2018 and 2022, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve these outcomes.
This report offers a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of child well-being across Texas. By examining key indicators, we identify areas where targeted investments can create measurable improvements, ensuring that all Texas children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The 2024 Texas Kids Count report was prepared by the Every Texan Research and Data Team: Coda Rayo-Garza, Director of Research and Data; Kaitlan Wong, Deputy Director of Research and Data; Sarah Serpas, Senior Research and Data Analyst; and Sofia Calderon, Research and Data Intern. This report is part of Texas Kids Count, a project led by Every Texan.
This research was funded by Methodist Health Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and The Annie E. Casey Foundation. We thank them for their support and acknowledge that the findings and conclusions presented in this report are those of Every Texan alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of these funding organizations.
Turning Point in Child Well-Being
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2024 Race for Results report shows mixed progress for children’s well-being in Texas. While some improvements have been made, there are still challenges, especially for Black and Latino children who face additional barriers. With Texas’s youth population becoming increasingly diverse, focused efforts to support all children will be essential for the state’s future. Read our blog to learn more here.
Read the full report to explore the national data and see where Texas stands.
More than 900,000 Texas children lack health insurance.
When Texas children are safe, healthy, and educated, Texas thrives. Ensuring that kids do well today ensures that we all do well tomorrow. From 2000 to 2020, Texas accounted for 80%of the U.S. child population growth, which means when Texas kids do better, the U.S. does better.
Kids Count is a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the U.S. funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Every Texan is the home of the Texas Kids Count Project.
Partner with the policy experts at Every Texan to benefit from our rigorous data analysis, advocacy, and communication services. We are available for hire for contract or grant-funded projects that will help you make informed decisions.
To propose a project, please email Research & Data Director Coda Rayo-Garza at rayo-garza@everytexan.org.
For media requests, please email at media@everytexan.org.
