Vermont Ranks 2nd in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book

 Data shows that policy support for families in Vermont varies after the pandemic, affecting child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation Finds

Vermont ranks second in child well-being, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring in post-pandemic America. 

Each year, the Data Book presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — and ranks the states according to how children are faring overall.

In these four domains, Vermont ranks:

• 3rd in Health

• 3rd for Family and Community

• 7th in Economic well-being

• 12th in Education

The Data Book reports that in Vermont in 2023, 9% of kids lived in families with income below the federal poverty threshold, an improvement from recent years which moved Vermont into a second place slot for that indicator, behind New Hampshire.  In the economic well-being domain, Vermont’s rank improved to 7th place.  

“We can maintain progress when we focus on proven, research-backed policy choices and listening to families,” said Sarah Teel, Research Director of Voices for Vermont’s Children. “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.”

In its 36th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed and which strategies are making a difference. Voices for Vermont’s Children encourages lawmakers and officials in Vermont to use this detailed information to unite across party lines and respond with initiatives that invest in young people. By offering a local road map, the Data Book equips policymakers, advocates and communities with the information they need to make decisions that help kids and young people thrive.

“For many of these indicators, all it would take to propel Vermont to the top spot is for the right initiatives to reach a few hundred families. We know that can be done, even with our current challenges,” said Teel.

“To truly become a country that equips every child to thrive as adults, our leaders need focus, creativity and commitment,” said Lisa Lawson, president and CEO of the Casey Foundation. “The Data Book’s findings call on leaders at every level to act boldly to build a strong future, relying on what we know works.”

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RELEASE INFORMATION

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book will be available at www.aecf.org/databook. Additional information is available at www.aecf.org/databook. Journalists interested in creating maps, graphs and rankings in stories about the Data Book can use the KIDS COUNT Data Center at datacenter.aecf.org.

About VOICES FOR VERMONT’S CHILDREN

Voices for Vermont’s Children is a research-based, multi-issue advocacy organization focused on promoting public policies that center a systemic response to meeting the needs of children and youth. We apply research, analysis and the lived experience of Vermont’s children and families to the pursuit of equity for all kids. To learn more, visit www.voicesforvtkids.org.   

ABOUT THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION

The Annie E. Casey Foundation creates a brighter future for the nation’s young people by developing solutions to strengthen families, build paths to economic opportunity and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work and grow. For more information, visit www.aecf.org. KIDS COUNT is a registered trademark of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.