New reports says MN kids face troubling health, education disparities

The 2025 Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its findings for Minnesota.

The report examines results for children in four categories: education, health, economic well-being, and family and community. Currently, 69% of Minnesota fourth graders are not proficient in reading, and 66% of eighth graders lack acceptable math skills.

Alisha Porter, state director of the Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota, said while the state has ranked fifth nationally for the past three years due to the state's good investments in child well-being, there is room for improvement.

"I think in the area of child poverty rates, I'd like to just highlight in Minnesota, 10% of all children live in poverty, with Black and Hispanic children experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to white children," Porter emphasized.

Porter noted another disparity: low birth weights. The report indicated although 7% of all babies born with low birth weight, Black babies faced significantly higher numbers compared to white babies. And children and teens' death rates and obesity numbers increased.

The report determined economic well-being plays a role in the state's low birth rates and low poverty numbers, which disproportionately impact children of color. According to the report, 19%, or 230,000 children, have parents who lack secure employment. The number of children living in Minnesota households with a high housing cost burden was higher than in previous years.

Porter pointed out there is another reason behind the data.

"130,000 children live in poverty in Minnesota," Porter underscored. "An even greater number live in homes without a full-time, year-round employed parent."

The data book said where a child lives matters and is highly influenced by local and state policies, economic conditions, community investment and infrastructure.