Scott Morgan : “South Carolina Child Well-Being Rankings”

Children in South Carolina have shown concerning trends in various aspects of health, economic wellbeing, education, and family, as highlighted in the latest Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) for the year 2022. The state’s performance fell below the national averages in all but two out of 16 measures, painting a sobering picture of the challenges faced by the younger population.

The State of Child Wellbeing in South Carolina

South Carolina’s overall ranking in child wellbeing stood at 40th in the nation, reflecting a consistent position over the past five years. Notably, the state’s strongest showing was in the family and community category, where it secured the 36th spot. This category tracks indicators such as children in single-parent families, households with low educational attainment, those residing in high-poverty areas, and teen birth rates.

Encouragingly, South Carolina witnessed improvements across all four indicators within the family and community domain. The state reported a lower percentage (9%) of children living in households where the head lacks a high school diploma compared to the national average. However, challenges persisted, with a quarter of children living in cost-burdened households and 211,000 children living in poverty.

Positive Trends and Areas for Improvement

South Carolina outperformed the national average in the proportion of children living in high-cost burden households, showcasing a rate of 26% compared to the U.S. rate of 30%. While there were some positive shifts, such as a decrease in the rate of children living in poverty from 20% to 19%, the state still grapples with significant socioeconomic disparities affecting its young population.

Challenges in Child Health

On the health front, South Carolina faced substantial hurdles, landing at the 46th position in the nation. Key concerns included high rates of obesity among 10- to 17-year-olds (38%) and child and teen deaths (39 per 100,000), exceeding national averages. The state witnessed a surge in child and teen deaths, marking an all-time high, raising serious alarms among child advocacy organizations.

Addressing these concerning trends, Sarah Knox, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Children’s Trust of South Carolina, highlighted the critical need for focused efforts to enhance child wellbeing. While acknowledging incremental progress in areas like educational outcomes, as evidenced by improving SC Ready test scores for fourth graders, Knox emphasized the long road ahead to uplift South Carolina’s position in the rankings and ensure a brighter future for its youth.

Looking Ahead

The latest data from AECF serve as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead to improve overall child wellbeing in South Carolina. By prioritizing key indicators and investing in targeted interventions, the state can strive towards a more equitable and prosperous future for its youngest residents.