2024 Kids Count Report

Oklahoma Ranks 49th in Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has been ranked 46th in the nation in overall child well-being and 49th in Education.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual Kids Count report ranks all 50 states with four categories: economic well-being, family and community, education and health. This report used data collected in 2022.

Lowest Ranking: Education

Oklahoma’s lowest ranking, coming in at 49th, was in education. The state was ranked 45th for health, 40th for family and community and 39th in economic well-being.

Only Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico performed worse.

Nationally, the report revealed that many negative trends between 2019 and 2021 during the pandemic era began recovering in 2022. But all four of the education indicators worsened in Oklahoma.

84% of 8th Graders Not Proficient in Math

In Oklahoma, nearly 6 in 10 young children from ages 3 to 4 were not in school, and 20% of high school students did not graduate on time. Over 75% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading and 84% of eighth graders were not proficient in math. These figures exceed the national trend. Moreover, they show a 10% decline over 2019, when 74% of eighth graders were determined not proficient in math. In addition, nearly 35 percent of children live in single-parent families. 

Unstable Housing

According to the report, about 52% of children in low-income households reported housing as a high cost burden – or at least 30% of the monthly income.

The report showed more families are living in homes they can’t afford. 

Source: Oklahoma Voice