Connecticut the only state to see an increase in the child poverty rate: 2021 KIDS COUNT report

 Source: Connecticut Voices for Children

Highlights from the 2021 KIDS COUNT report

• An increase in child poverty: Between 2010 and 2019, there was an 8% increase in the percentage of children living in poverty in Connecticut, making Connecticut the only state to see an increase in the child poverty rate. National trends saw a 23% decrease in the percentage of children living in poverty. This increase in child poverty is especially concerning as it does not include the impacts of the pandemic.
• An increase in youth connection: Between 2010 and 2019, there was a 20% decrease in the percentage of teens not in school and not working in Connecticut. Prior to the pandemic, the state did well at keeping teens engaged through either school or work. During this time, Connecticut’s national ranking of teens not in school and not working rose from third to first (with the lowest percentage ranked first). 
• An increase in preschool attendance of children: Between 2009-11 and 2017-19, there was an 11% decrease in the percentage of children ages 3 and 4 not attending school. During this time, Connecticut’s national ranking of the percentage of young children not in school rose from second to first (with the lowest percentage ranked first).
• An increase in uninsured children: Between 2010 and 2019, there was a 25% decrease in the percentage of uninsured children nationally. While Connecticut's low rate of uninsured children has wavered between 3% and 5% between 2010 and 2019, there was a worrisome uptick between 2018 and 2019, when the number of children without health insurance in Connecticut increased by 32% from 20,372 to 26,901.

Click here for the full 2021 KIDS COUNT report.