In the latest Kids Count data book, Nebraska experienced a slight dip in its overall child well-being ranking, moving from ninth to tenth place. This annual report examines how children across the United States are faring post-pandemic, focusing on economic stability, education, health, and family and community dynamics. Despite remaining within the top ten states, Nebraska has seen a gradual decline in its rankings over recent years. In previous editions, it ranked eighth in both 2023 and 2022, while securing seventh place in 2021.

An In-Depth Look at Nebraska's Child Welfare Performance

Amidst a backdrop of recovery and resilience, Nebraska showcased remarkable strength in its economic indicators. The state earned the third-best score nationwide for its impact on youth economic health, attributed to stable poverty rates and high teen engagement in either work or school. According to Voices for Children in Nebraska, only four percent of teenagers aged 16 to 19 were neither in school nor employed—a figure among the lowest in the nation.

However, the educational landscape presents a contrasting picture. Nebraska lags behind significantly in this domain, with fourth-grade reading proficiency scores deteriorating since 2015. The pandemic seemingly exacerbated these challenges, as the percentage of fourth graders not reading at grade level surged from 63% in 2019 to 72% by 2024. Consequently, Nebraska ranks twenty-first in education, seventeenth in health, and fifteenth in family and community factors in the 2025 data book.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s report underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems for children. Juliet Summers, executive director of Voices for Children, emphasized that ensuring stable homes, strong schools, and access to nutritious food are vital investments in Nebraska's future.

As federal budget discussions loom, concerns arise regarding potential cuts to essential programs addressing food insecurity and health insurance. Such reductions could jeopardize the progress made thus far and hinder opportunities for Nebraska's youngest residents.

From an observer's standpoint, this report highlights the critical balance between celebrating achievements and acknowledging areas needing improvement. While Nebraska excels economically, it must address educational disparities to ensure all children thrive. Policymakers should view these findings as a call to action, reinforcing programs that foster holistic child development and long-term success.