Press Release: New Jersey Ranks Seventh in Child Well-Being Amid Economic Challenges
New Jersey has made notable strides in child well-being, securing the seventh spot in the nation, according to the 2025 Kids Count Data Book released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The comprehensive report assesses the status of children in a post-pandemic landscape across all 50 states.
Key findings reveal improvements in children’s education and health in New Jersey, although the state faces challenges regarding economic conditions. High living costs—including housing and transportation—have positioned the state in the middle tier nationally for economic pressures. Mary Coogan, president and CEO of Kids Count New Jersey, highlighted concerns over rising poverty rates, noting that New Jersey’s poverty rate climbed from 12% to 13% in the past year, affecting approximately 256,000 children.
Coogan emphasized, "Poverty is going up, and children are struggling with basic educational skills like reading and math." She also stressed the potential impact of federal cuts on the New Jersey Family Care program, crucial for families facing economic hardship. As more families seek assistance, the need for sustained support through healthcare programs remains critical in combating rising poverty rates.
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