New report shows Mississippi made progress in education but challenges remain in other child well-being metrics

June 8, 2026 - 18:11

Mississippi has climbed to 16th place nationally in education, according to the latest KIDS COUNT Data Book. That marks a notable improvement for a state that has long struggled with academic outcomes. The report credits gains in fourth-grade reading proficiency and eighth-grade math scores, along with a higher percentage of young children attending preschool.

But the picture changes sharply when looking at the full set of child well-being metrics. Mississippi ranks 50th overall when combining economic well-being, health, and family and community factors. That places the state just ahead of last-place New Mexico.

The economic well-being category remains a major concern. A large share of Mississippi children live in households with high housing cost burdens, and many have parents who lack secure employment. Health indicators also drag down the overall ranking, with a high rate of child and teen deaths and a significant number of low-birthweight babies. Family and community measures show challenges as well, including a high percentage of children living in single-parent households.

Advocates say the education progress shows that focused investment and policy changes can work. They point to early literacy programs and expanded access to pre-K as key drivers. But they also warn that without similar attention to poverty, healthcare access, and family stability, the overall well-being of Mississippi's children will remain far behind the rest of the country.