By Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix
In Summary:
Florida improved its national ranking in education and family and community well-being in the 2026 Kids Count Data Book, while its health ranking declined. The report found fewer children living in poverty, lower teen birth rates, and improved graduation rates, but also highlighted ongoing concerns about housing affordability, healthcare access, and declining academic proficiency. Child advocates say stronger investments in affordable housing, childcare, and medical care are needed to improve outcomes for Florida families.
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Florida’s overall state of child well-being did not improve in this year’s Kids Count Data Profile, although some segments, including graduation rates\ and teen births, did see gains.
Florida jumped four spots in education ranking compared to last year’s report, up to 15th, working toward the fifth-place ranking the state held two years ago. Florida’s family and community category improved, too, jumping one spot to 29th.
Related: Florida ranks last in teacher pay, report finds.
The state’s children’s health category dropped three places, to 35th.
The data compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation reflect children’s ability to read, the number who are overweight, and parental financial stability, among other factors like teen pregnancy and deaths. Much of Florida’s data in the 2026 report are from 2024.
“Florida is making some progress towards improving the state’s child well-being, but the level of investment is not moving the needle in helping Florida families with affordability in housing, access to childcare, and access to medical care, namely Medicaid,” Norín Dollard, Kids Count director at Florida Policy Institute, said in a news release.
According to the 2026 report, fewer children than in 2025 are giving birth or living in poverty.
The 2026 report shows one less teen death, 28, than in the 2025 report, 29.
The rate of children whose parents lack secure employment improved, 25% in the 2026 report. It was 26% in the 2025 report.
One percentage point higher, 39% of children live in a household with a high housing cost burden compared to last year’s report. It is 3% higher than 2019 data.
The education category's overall improvement since last year’s report reflects an improved graduation rate, but all three related categories — reading and math proficiency and three- and four-year-olds not in school — stayed the same.
The report shows a decrease in reading and math scores, putting Florida 19th nationwide in education.
Two years ago, the report ranked Florida fifth in education in the United States. Now, it is ranked 15th. New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are the top three education states, according to the report.
Florida maintained its 43rd rank in economic well-being. New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Wyoming are the top three in this category.
“Behind every number in this report is a child who is either hungry or fed, housed or homeless, progressing academically or falling behind. No state is consistently getting this right,” Lisa M. Lawson, president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said. “The Data Book challenges us to follow the evidence and do what delivers results.”
Key Points:
- Florida's overall child well-being ranking showed little change in the 2026 Kids Count Data Book.
- The state's education ranking improved four spots, rising to 15th nationally.
- Florida's child health ranking dropped three places to 35th in the nation.
- Fewer children are living in poverty, and teen birth rates continue to decline.
- Housing affordability, childcare access, and healthcare availability remain significant concerns for families.
