Explaining State Differences in Child Well-Being

William O'Hare, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Mark S. Mather, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
Genevieve Dupuis, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)

In this study we examine the results of a new comprehensive, composite state-level index of child well-being modeled after the Foundation for Child Development’s (FCD) Child Well-Being Index (CWI). The index is composed of 25 indicators clustered into seven domains or dimensions of child well-being derived largely from the Quality of Life literature. Twelve independent variables were highly correlated with child wellbeing (.01 level or higher level of statistical significance). Demographic measures (racial composition and urban concentrations) were not as highly correlated with child wellbeing as SES characteristics of the adult population and economic measures. In addition, a few policy measures, particularly state and local tax rates, were highly correlated with state-level differences in child well-being.