Definitions: Overall Ranks for 2000 through 2007/2008 for each state using a consistent set of indicators; namely those used to derive the rank reported in the 2010 KIDS COUNT Data Book. The rank for each state was obtained in the following manner. First, we converted the 2008 (or 2007, depending on the indicator) state numerical values for each of the 10 key indicators into standard scores. We then summed those standard scores to create a total standard score for each of the 50 states. Finally, we ranked the states on the basis of their total standard score in sequential order from highest/best (1) to lowest/worst (50). Standard scores were derived by subtracting the mean score from the observed score and dividing the amount by the standard deviation for that distribution of scores. All measures were given the same weight in calculating the total standard score.
Data Source: Population Reference Bureau, analysis of data gathered for the 2002 through 2010 KIDS COUNT data books.
Footnotes:
Updated July 2010.
The Indicators used in the KIDS COUNT Data Books have changed over time, making year-to-year comparisons of state ranks problematic. Overall Ranks are the best source of information to see whether a particular state improved in ranking over the past few years. Note that state ranks in each year are based on data from the previous year for five measures and data from the current year for the other five measures. In other words, data for the Percent Low-Birthweight Babies, Infant Mortality Rate, Child Death Rate, Teen Death Rate, and Teen Birth Rate lag one year behind the other measures.
Note: The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are
not included in maps and rankings because they are not states and therefore comparisons on many
indicators of child well being are not meaningful.