maine KIDS COUNT Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org Androscoggin County: 2020 KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation. From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive. Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement. Areas of Strength Androscoggin County has the second highest rate of all parents in the workforce and is tied for the third lowest unemployment rate. Androscoggin is also tied for first with the lowest rates of uninsured children and second in the rate of children attending preschool. A flourishing local economy and commitment to public preschool education help young children in Androscoggin County thrive. Opportunities for Growth Though high school graduation improved markedly since last year, Androscoggin County still has the lowest percent of students graduating high school in the state. At the 4th grade level, reading proficiency is the second lowest in the state. To improve these education indicators, it is important that local schools are adequately funded, and supportive services are accessible for all students. Androscoggin County, with the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, is one of the four counties in Maine with 23,000 or more children. INDICATOR STATE RANK High School graduation 16 4th grade reading 15 INDICATOR STATE RANK All parents in the workforce 2 Unemployment 3 (tie) Uninsured children 1 (tie) Public preschool 2
32
Embed
KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING … · Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
maineKIDSCOUNT
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Androscoggin County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthAndroscoggin County has the second highest
rate of all parents in the workforce and is
tied for the third lowest unemployment rate.
Androscoggin is also tied for first with the
lowest rates of uninsured children and second
in the rate of children attending preschool. A
flourishing local economy and commitment
to public preschool education help young
children in Androscoggin County thrive.
Opportunities for GrowthThough high school graduation improved
markedly since last year, Androscoggin
County still has the lowest percent of students
graduating high school in the state. At the 4th
grade level, reading proficiency is the second
lowest in the state. To improve these education
indicators, it is important that local schools are
adequately funded, and supportive services are
accessible for all students.
Androscoggin County, with the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, is one of the four counties in Maine with 23,000 or more children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Aroostook County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthAroostook County has the highest percent
of preschoolers enrolled in school at 93
percent, compared to the state average of
just 47 percent. Aroostook also has the third
highest immunization rates of children ages
18-35 months. Community norms that promote
the importance of vaccinations and foster
opportunities for early learning help young
children in Aroostook County thrive.
Opportunities for GrowthAroostook County has the lowest median
household income in the state at $39,450 and
the second highest unemployment rate. It is
also among the three counties with the highest
rates of children who are victims of child abuse.
All children need safe, financially stable families
to become healthy, productive adults.
Aroostook County is the most northern and remote county in Maine, with approximately 12,000 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Cumberland County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthCumberland County has the lowest
unemployment rate, the highest household
median income, and the lowest child poverty
rates. Cumberland also has the highest rate
of 4th graders reading proficiently. Notably,
Cumberland ranks first in more than half of the
indicators. A flourishing local economy and a
community commitment to education help
young children in Cumberland County thrive.
Opportunities for GrowthCumberland County has by far the lowest
rate of children attending public preschool.
Additionally, the county’s rate of children in
high quality child care sites has fallen in the
last year. Attention to the educational, social
and emotional needs of children under age five
is important to build a foundation for success
later in life.
Cumberland County, which includes the city of Portland, is the most populous, diverse, and growing county in Maine with 54,800 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Franklin County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthFranklin County has the third lowest rate for
teens not in school and not working, compared
to other counties in Maine. Additionally, while
Franklin’s median household income is below
the state average, the county had substantial
improvement in this area, as well as a marked
drop in unemployment. Young adults thrive
when given opportunities for higher education
and employment that pays a living wage.
Opportunities for GrowthFranklin County has the second lowest high
school graduation rate among all Maine
counties. To improve this, it is important
that local schools are adequately funded,
and supportive services are accessible for all
students. The rate of Franklin County’s children
becoming victims of child abuse increased in
the last year and is above the state average.
Children thrive in safe families, and this helps
them become successful adults.
Franklin County, with Maine’s Western Mountains, is rural, and the second least populous county in Maine with 5,260 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Hancock County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthHancock County has the second highest rate
for prenatal care in the first trimester. Access to
health care for pregnant women helps establish
babies’ healthy development and reduces the
risk for premature births. Additionally, Hancock
saw improvements this year in both the rate
of 4th graders reading proficiently and in high
school graduation. When communities have
quality education programs for all students,
children can achieve their full potential.
Opportunities for GrowthHancock County has the second lowest rate of
children attending public preschool. Attention
to the educational, social and emotional
needs of children under age five is important
to build a foundation for future success. The
rate of children without health insurance also
increased markedly in the last year and is
above the state average. Children with health
insurance are more likely to be healthy and to
get preventative medical care.
Hancock County, home of Acadia National Park, is a Downeast coastal community with approximately 9,280 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Kennebec County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthKennebec County has the highest rate in the
state for immunizing children ages 18-35
months. Community norms that promote the
importance of vaccinations help young children
thrive. Kennebec also made gains this year in
both high school graduation and in 4th graders
reading proficiently. Although Kennebec
is below state averages in these areas, it is
demonstrating improvement in educating all
students.
Opportunities for GrowthKennebec County has no indicators that place
it in the bottom three among all counties.
However, Kennebec is tied for 13th for prenatal
care in the first trimester. Access to health care
for pregnant women helps establish babies’
healthy development. Kennebec is also tied
for 13th in high school graduation. Youth have
greater opportunities when they complete
high school than when they do not.
Kennebec County, home to Maine’s capital city of Augusta, is also one of the four counties in Maine with 23,000 or more children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Knox County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthKnox County is in the top three counties for
high school graduation rates with 90 percent
graduating in four years. When communities
have quality education programs for all
students, children can become productive
adults. The median household income in Knox
County increased over $5,000 in a year and is
now above the state average. Children are more
able to thrive when their basic needs are met.
Opportunities for GrowthKnox County has the third lowest rate of prenatal
care in the first trimester. Access to health care
for pregnant women helps establish babies’
healthy development. Knox is also among the
three counties with the highest rate of teens
not in school and not working. Young adults
thrive when given opportunities for higher
education and employment that pays a living
wage.
Knox County is a coastal county with approximately 7,000 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Lincoln County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthLincoln County is among the three counties
with the lowest rates of both substantiated
child abuse and children in foster care. Children
thrive in safe, stable families. Lincoln County
also saw improvement and is above the state
average for the percent of child care sites that
are high quality. Child care that is high quality
helps children succeed in school and develop
into healthy adults.
Opportunities for GrowthLincoln County has the lowest rate of 4th
graders reading proficiently. Lincoln also has
the highest rate of teens not in school and
not working. Students of all ages deserve
educational services that meet their needs.
Lincoln County also has the second highest
rate of uninsured children and the second
lowest rate for immunizations. Access to health
insurance helps children receive the care they
need, including important immunizations.
Lincoln County is a coastal county with approximately 7,750 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Oxford County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthOxford County has the fifth highest percentage
of child care sites that are high quality. The rate
of children in public preschool is also well above
the state average and is improving. In Oxford,
the rate of 4th graders reading proficiently
increased by ten percentage points. High school
graduation rates also improved. Communities
that have quality education programs for all
ages help children reach their full potential.
Opportunities for GrowthOxford County is one of two counties in Maine
where more than one in four children live in
poverty. All children deserve to live in families
that have resources to meet their basic needs.
Oxford also has the second highest rate of
teens not in school and not working. Young
adults thrive when they have access to higher
education and employment that pays a living
wage.
Oxford County is a rural, inland county with the fifth largest child population in the state at 10,600 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Penobscot County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthPenobscot County has the highest rate in the
state of prenatal care in the first trimester.
Access to health care for pregnant women
helps establish babies’ healthy development.
Additionally, Penobscot has the second lowest
rate of teens not in school and not working.
Young adults thrive when they have access to
higher education and employment that pays a
living wage.
Opportunities for GrowthPenobscot County has the lowest percent of
child care sites that are high quality. Attention
to the educational, social and emotional needs
of children under age five builds a foundation
for success. Also, Penobscot’s rates of both
substantiated child abuse and children in foster
care are well above state averages and went
up this year. All children need safe and stable
families to become healthy, productive adults.
Penobscot County, home to the city of Bangor, is in central Maine and is the third most populous county with 27,000 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Piscataquis County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthPiscataquis County has an unemployment rate
higher than the state average, yet teens ages
16-19 are more likely to be working or in school
than in most of Maine’s other counties. Pregnant
women in Piscataquis received prenatal care
in the first trimester at a rate higher than
the state average. Communities that support
young adults in higher education, employment,
and in parenting, help build success for two
generations.
Opportunities for GrowthPiscataquis has the third highest child poverty
rate and the third lowest household median
income. Piscataquis also has substantiated
child abuse and foster care rates that put it in
the bottom three of Maine’s counties. In order
to thrive, all children need to live in families
where their basic needs are met and where
families are supported in maintaining safe and
stable homes for their children.
Piscataquis County, home of Baxter State Park, is Maine’s least populated and most rural county with 2,800 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Sagadahoc County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthSagadahoc County has the lowest rate of
teens who are not working and not in school.
Furthermore, it has the third lowest child
poverty rate and the third highest household
median income. These are indications of a
flourishing economy. When families can meet
their basic needs, children thrive. Sagadahoc
also has the lowest rate of substantiated child
abuse. Children raised in safe homes are more
likely to reach their full potential.
Opportunities for GrowthPregnant women in Sagadahoc County are
the least likely to receive prenatal care in the
first trimester and the rate is well below the
second lowest county. Sagadahoc was also the
only county with immunization rates below 50
percent for children ages 18–35 months. For
healthy development, young children need
adequate prenatal care and immunizations. The
community benefits when families with young
children access important health care services.
Sagadahoc County is the smallest county geographically, with approximately 6,800 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
To learn more about the measure, click on the link to the KIDS COUNT Data Center or other source.* s indicates the number is suppressed due to being under 10.
Sagadahoc County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL BEING
DEMOGRAPHICS Sagadahoc Maine
Children under age 5, 2018 1,780 64,282
Children ages 5 -17, 2018 5,037 185,823
Children ages 0 -17, 2018 6,817 250,105
Children in poverty, 2018 865 35,961
Births, 2018 309 12,299
Children ages 0 -18 participating in MaineCare, SFY 2019 2,452 118,137
Children receiving SNAP, Dec 2019 1,044 57,955
School children eligible for free and reduced meals, 2019-2020
1,686 82,073
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC Current number
Current rate
Previous rate
Better or Worse?
State rate
Child poverty, 2018 865 13.0% 14.0% 14.8%
Median household income, 2018 N/A $65,969 $61,047 $55,579
Teens not in school and not working, 2014-2018 s* 0.8% 1.1% 3.5%
Unemployment, Dec 2019 (not seasonally adjusted) N/A 2.2% 3.0% 2.9%
All parents in workforce, children under 6, 2018 1,555 75.6% 76.2% 71.1%
EDUCATION Current number
Current rate
Previous rate
Better or Worse?
State rate
Four-year-olds in public preschool, 2019 -2020 150 40.0% 43.2% 47.0%
High school graduation rate, 2019 292 86.6% 89.3% 87.4%
4th grade reading meets or exceeds proficiency, MEA, 2018-2019
191 54.7% 49.1% 56.2%
High quality child care sites (QRIS 3 or 4), Dec 2019 8 14.8% 12.1% 13.9%
= Better, = Worse, = No change (defined as less than 1% change.)
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Somerset County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthSomerset County is among the three counties
with the highest rates of high quality child
care sites. Having quality child care sets the
foundation for children to be successful in
school and reach their potential. Additionally,
Somerset saw improvement in lowering the
rate of teens not in school and not working and
is now below the state average. Young adults
thrive when given opportunities for higher
education and employment that pays a living
wage.
Opportunities for GrowthSomerset County has the highest rates in the
state for both substantiated child abuse and for
children in foster care. All children need safe,
stable families to become healthy, productive
adults. In terms of education, 4th grade reading
proficiency and high school graduation rates
are among the lowest three counties in Maine.
To improve this, it is important that local schools
are adequately funded, and supportive services
are accessible for students.
Somerset County is rural and has the eighth highest number of children of all counties at nearly 9,600 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Waldo County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthWaldo County has the highest rate of high-
quality child care sites. Quality child care helps
children to be prepared to succeed in school.
The percentage of 4th graders who are reading
proficiently improved six percentage points in
one year and is over 50 percent. Communities
with a commitment to education help children
reach their full potential.
Opportunities for GrowthWaldo County is one of the three counties with
the lowest immunization rates of children ages
18-35 months. The health of the community is
improved when families can access important
health care services, including immunizations.
Notably, the child poverty rate in Waldo has
increased to 20 percent. All children need to
live in families where they have the resources
to meet their basic needs.
Waldo County is a coastal county in central Maine with approximately 7,350 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
Washington County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthWashington County is the best or second best
county for all education measures. Communities
with a commitment to education help children
reach their full potential. Washington is also in
the top three counties for prenatal care in the
first trimester and in immunizations of children
ages 18-35 months. Access to health care
for pregnant women and for young children
encourages healthy development and helps
prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Opportunities for GrowthWashington County has the highest child
poverty rate in the state, with more than one
in four children living in poverty. It also has the
second lowest household median income. All
children need financially secure families who
can meet their basic needs. Washington also
has the highest rate of children who lack health
insurance. Children with health insurance are
more likely to receive consistent primary care.
Washington County is a Downeast, coastal county with approximately 6,000 children.
Maine Children’s Alliance | 2020 County Data Profiles | mekids.org
York County: 2020KEY COUNTY INDICATORS OF CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maine KIDS COUNT, a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance, has been part of the national KIDS COUNT network, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), since 1994. KIDS COUNT puts together in a user-friendly internet platform the most recent, reliable data available on the well-being of children in Maine and in the nation.
From the hundreds of available indicators in the areas of health, education, and social and economic status on KIDS COUNT, the selected indicators in this County Profile are among those with county-level information, where it is clear which direction we want the indicator to go. By understanding the data and making informed policy decisions in response, we can help ensure children and families in Maine have the best opportunity to thrive.
Each County Profile includes a summary of the county’s strengths and challenges, some demographics, and then the 14 indicators of child health and well-being for the current year, previous year and in comparison to the state rate. The County Profiles offer insight into how policies and practices in Maine are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Areas of StrengthYork County benefits from a prosperous
southern Maine economy. York has the second
lowest child poverty rate, the third lowest
unemployment rate, and the second highest
household median income. York also has the
state’s second highest graduation rate and
the third highest rate of 4th graders reading
proficiently. A flourishing local economy and
a community commitment to education help
young children in York County thrive.
Opportunities for GrowthYork County is among the lowest performing
counties on two indicators related to young
children. It has the second lowest rate of
high quality child care sites and the second
lowest rate of four-year-olds attending public
preschool. Attention to the educational, social
and emotional needs of children under age five
is important to build a foundation for success
later in life.
York County, with the cities of Biddeford and Sanford, is the southernmost county and is the second most populous, with approximately 39,000 children.