Kids Count Data Center

Definitions: For 1990, 2000, and 2010, the actual count of the child population, ages 0-17. For all other years, estimates of the child population, ages 0-17.

Data Source: This indicator has two sources: actual population counts from the U.S. Census Bureau (1990 & 2000), and official population estimates (all other years) from the Texas State Data Center and the Office of the State Demographer, University of Texas San Antonio.

Definitions: For 1989 and 1999, actual count and percent of related children ages 0-17 living in families with incomes below the official federal poverty threshold. For all other years, estimated numbers of children ages 0-17 living in families with incomes below the official federal poverty threshold.

Data Source: This indicator has two sources: actual population counts from the U.S. Census Bureau (1989 & 1999), and U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates Program (SAIPE) for all other years.

Footnotes: The years presented here refer to income years (i.e., the 1990 Census data provides income status for 1989). Note: The SAIPE poverty data attempts to compensate for some concerns regarding the use of Food Stamp data when estimating poverty. However, when making weighty decisions concerning poverty and income, we recommend consulting the most recent Census data in combination with the yearly state-level Current Population Survey data. Furthermore, caution should be taken when comparing across years with SAIPE estimates because the input data and models used in producing the estimates have changed over the years.

Definitions: The annual number and percent of people in the civilian labor force who were either not working, or looking for work, or available to accept a job.

Data Source: Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Footnotes: The unemployment data presented here are not adjusted for fluctuations during the year such as seasonal work, etc.

Definitions: Number and percent of children ages 0-18 enrolled in the Texas Medicaid program.

Data Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Footnotes: This is point-in-time data from August of each fiscal year and is generally accepted as being representative of monthly enrollment.

Definitions: Number and percent of children ages 0-17 enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Data Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Footnotes: This is point-in-time data from February of each federal fiscal year and is generally accepted as being representative of monthly enrollment.

Definitions: The number and percent of births to women who received no prenatal care, or care after the first trimester.

Data Source: Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services.

Footnotes: Texas introduced a new birth certificate in 2005, changing the categorization of the inadequate prenatal care data. Now, inadequate prenatal care is defined as receiving no prenatal care or only receiving prenatal care after the first trimester. Data from 2005 or later cannot be compared to earlier prenatal care data.

Definitions: Number and percent of births to females ages 13-19.

Data Source: Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services.

Definitions: Number of students in all grades, including Early Education, Pre-K, and K-12.

Data Source: Texas Education Agency.

Definitions: Number and percent of children ages three and four enrolled in public school pre-kindergarten programs.

Data Source: Texas Education Agency.

Footnotes: Only Pre-Kindergarten enrollees are included in this data. Early Childhood Education enrollees are not included.

Definitions: Number and percent of students from a class of 9th graders not enrolled in 12th grade four school years later. Year indicates the graduating year of the cohort.

Data Source: Intercultural Development Research Association.

Footnotes: "LNE" = Low Number Event, denoting a negative attrition rate.

Definitions: Number and rate per 1,000 of children ages 0-17 confirmed as victims of child abuse.

Data Source: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Footnotes: Note: When a child is identified as a confirmed victim, it does not mean that the child will receive ongoing services from DFPS. The decision about whether to provide the family ongoing services or to remove the child into DFPS custody is based on an assessment of whether there is an ongoing risk to the child.

Definitions: The number and rate per 1,000 of children, ages 0-17, in foster care.

Data Source: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Footnotes: The term foster care refers to care given to children under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' (DFPS) legal responsibility who are placed in foster homes, foster group homes, institutions, residential treatment facilities, juvenile facilities, and whoa re in a placement paid by DFPS or some other public facility.