Michigan children face big challenges, including poverty and academic struggles. This is according to the latest Kids Count in Michigan Data Book, released Tuesday.
The report takes a very detailed look at children's well being on every thing from education to health to economic security and more. That latest numbers indicate that despite some improvement, the number of Michigan children living in poverty is still at an alarming rate. That is especially true for African American children.
Overall, the data suggests more than 1-in-5, that's 20%, of Michigan children live at or below the poverty level. That number is 42% for African-American kids and 30% for Latino children.
The Michigan League for Public Policy, in a press release, points out that economic struggles and academic struggles go "hand-in-hand." So, it's no surprise that Michigan is ranking in the bottom when it comes to educational outcomes. Roughly 56% of the state's third-graders are not proficient in reading. 65% of students are not career or college ready. And, nearly 53% of the state's three and four year olds are not in pre-school.
The Kids Count Michigan Data Book ranks 82 of Michigan's 83 counties. Ottawa County ranked near the top coming in at second for overall child well being. Muskegon County ranked in the bottom five, at 80th. Kent County Came in at 18th.
The detailed report can be found here.
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