"Economic Security and Child Well-Being"  

2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book

Declining economic security makes families struggle to meet basic needs; more investment is essential to ensure the future prosperity of Minnesota.

Download the 2011 MN KIDS COUNT Data Book

Listen to the new webinar.  Kara Arzamendia, research director, explains the new findings regarding the impact of our struggling economy on Minnesota's children.

Download the 2011 MN KIDS COUNT Webinar Slides  (large download)

Even before the current recession, data showed that the economic security of families had been declining in Minnesota, while the income gap between low- and high-income families had been increasing. When families are unable to meet their basic needs, children are negatively affected. 

The 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book, “Economic Security and Child Well-Being” highlights trends in incomes and expenditures for families and how well families are able to provide basic needs and a safe environment for their children. 

According to the data book, in Minnesota women and their children, immigrant families, and families of color are particularly vulnerable to economic insecurity and poverty. For example, 14 percent of all children were living in poverty in Minnesota in 2009, while 8 percent of White children were living in poverty compared to 47 percent of African-American children. Overall, poverty for children has increased 53 percent and for those living in extreme poverty the number has more than doubled since 2000.

“Despite disparities that exist for some groups, child poverty affects everyone in our society no matter what their background or income level. Currently, child poverty costs Minnesota approximately $5.7 billion dollars each year; therefore, it is in all our best interest to make sure children are given the tools and resources to thrive from birth,” said Jim Koppel, CDF Minnesota Director. The data book also highlights recommendations on how Minnesota can create a cradle to career pathway for our children to ensure not only their future prosperity but also the future prosperity of our state. 

The annual KIDS COUNT publication provides state data based on a variety of indicators that show how Minnesota’s children and families are doing. Visit www.cdf-mn.org to view additional county level data, as well as download an electronic copy of the book. KIDS COUNT is a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

KIDS COUNT Facts:

• The number of Minnesota children living in poverty increased 53 percent from 2000-2009. The number of children living in extreme poverty has more than doubled since 2000, an increase of 105 percent.
• 8 percent of White children lived in poverty in 2009.
• 47 percent of African-American children lived in poverty in 2009.
• 27 percent of immigrant children lived in poverty in 2009.
• 76 percent of Minnesota families had all available parents in the workforce in 2009.
• It would take almost four full-time minimum wage jobs for a couple with two children in Minnesota to meet their family’s basic needs in 2009.
• Median household income has fallen 9 percent since the beginning of the decade so that in 2009 families had approximately $6,000 less to spend than in 2000.