 2000 KIDS COUNT Data Book
The 2000 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a state-by-state study that reports on the well-being of America's children, ranks Massachusetts 7th among all states. For the 10 indicators measured in the data book between 1990 and 1997, the well-being of Massachusetts' children deteriorated in three areas and improved in seven. Highlights among these include:
Massachusetts child death rate best in nation.
Massachusetts witnessed a 25 percent drop in the number of deaths per 100,000 ages 1-14, falling from a rate of 20 deaths to a rate of 15. The state ranks 1st on this measure. The nation as a whole improved by 19 percent over this period, moving from 31 deaths per 100,000 children in 1990 to 25 deaths in 1997.
High school dropout rate improves.
While nationally the percent of teens, ages 16-19, who dropped out of high school remained unchanged between 1990 and 1997, Massachusetts witnessed a 22 percent improvement. The state's high school dropout rate fell from 9 percent to 7 percent. The national average is 10 percent.
Percent of low-birthweight babies rises.
The portion of Massachusetts babies born with a birthweight of less than 5.5 pounds increased by 19 percent between 1990 and 1997, moving from 5.9 percent to 7.0 percent over this period. The state still falls below the national average of 7.5 percent.
Rate of teen deaths declines dramatically.
Massachusetts' teen death rate fell by 31 percent between 1990 and 1997, and the state ranks 4th on this measure. The state experienced 33 deaths per 100,000 teens, ages 15-19, in 1997, down from the 1990 rate of 48 deaths and well below the national average of 58 deaths. The nation as a whole improved by 18 percent.
Massachusetts closes gap in single-parent families
compared to a national increase of 13 percent. In 1997, 27 percent of Massachusetts households were headed by single parents, up from 26 percent in 1990. Nationally this average grew from 24 percent to 27 percent over that period.
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