1998
Kids Count Data Book
This
compilation of data on Massachusetts children comes from
the 1998 Kids Count Data Book, a state-by-state study documenting
the conditions facing America's children. The Kids Count
Data Book ranks Massachusetts 11th in the nation, and reports
that between 1985 and 1995, the well-being of Massachusetts'
children deteriorated in six areas, and improved in four.
Child
poverty increases in Massachusetts.
The percentage of children living in poverty increased in
Massachusetts from 1985 to 1995, from 14 percent to 16 percent,
while the national figure showed no change at 21 percent.
Massachusetts
ranks among the best in the nation in child care.
The median hourly child care worker wages in Massachusetts
are $8.33, according to 1996 statistics, as compared to
the national median child care worker wages at $6.12. Massachusetts
is ranked third in the nation on this measure. However,
Massachusetts has a relatively high cost of living.
Massachusetts
has the lowest child death rate in the nation.
Between 1985 and 1995, the child death rate (for children
ages 1-14) improved by 28 percent in Massachusetts. Based
on 1995 data, Massachusetts led the nation with the lowest
rate of child deaths.
Infant
mortality is the lowest in the nation.
Between 1985 and 1995, the infant mortality rate in Massachusetts
fell by 43 percent. In 1995 the infant mortality rate was
the lowest among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
There were 5.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in Massachusetts,
compared to 7.6 nationally.
Juvenile
violent crime arrest rate rises.
Between 1985 and 1995, the juvenile violent crime arrest
rate increased 101 percent. Massachusetts ranked 41st among
the 50 states and the District of Columbia on this measure,
based on 1995 data.
More
teens are not attending school and not working.
Massachusetts was one of only two states (Florida was the
other) to experience an increase in the rate of idle teens
between 1985 and 1995.
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