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2019
in MICHIGAN
DATA BOOK
What It’s Like
to Be a Kid in
Michigan
2019 Kids Count in Michigan
Advisory Committee
CHAIR: Michele Corey, Vice President for Programs, Michigan’s Children
Dr. Jan Amsterburg, Ph.D., Superintendent, Gratiot-Isabella Intermediate School District
Casey Anbender, J.D., Senior Management Analyst, Child Welfare Services, Michigan Supreme Court
Stacie Bladen, L.M.S.W., Deputy Director, Children’s Services Administration, Michigan Department of Health and
Human Services
Hillary Brandon, M.P.H., Michigan Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program (MI-APPP) Coordinator, Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services
Jared Burkhart, Executive Director, Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
Kyle Caldwell, President and CEO, Council of Michigan Foundations
Annette Chapman, Vice President, Grantmaking and Scholarships, Battle Creek Community Foundation
David Coulter, Director of External Affairs, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation
Taryn Gal, Executive Director, Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health
Eric A. Guthrie, Ph.D., Michigan’s State Demographer, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives,
Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Paula Herbart, President, Michigan Education Association
Wendy Lewis Jackson, Managing Director, Detroit Program, The Kresge Foundation
Gilda Z. Jacobs, President and CEO, Michigan League for Public Policy
Ja’Nel Jamerson, M.A., Executive Director, Flint & Genesee Literacy Network
Jerry D. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Calhoun Intermediate School District
Amy E. Krug, Managing Director, Ele’s Place Flint
Mike Larson, President and CEO, Michigan Association of United Ways
Jodi Latuszek, Juvenile Management Analyst, Trial Court Services, State Court Administrative Office
Ruben Martinez, Ph.D., Director, Julian Samora Research Institute, Michigan State University
Lisa McCormick, Director, Office of the Children’s Ombudsman
David R. McGhee, Associate Vice President of Organizational Excellence & Impact, The Skillman Foundation
Summer Minnick, Deputy Executive Director and CMO, Michigan Municipal League
Kendra Moyses, Acting Co-Director, Children and Youth Institute, Senior Extension Educator, Michigan State University
Extension
Erica Raleigh, Director, Data Driven Detroit
Alex Rossman, Communications Director, Michigan League for Public Policy
Jason Smith, L.M.S.W., Director of Youth Justice Policy, Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency
Ann Michele Stacks, Ph.D., Director, Infant Mental Health Program, Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State
University
Michele Strasz, Executive Director, Capital Area College Access Network
Stacey Tadgerson, M.P.A., Director, Native American Affairs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Cassie Jo Thierfelder, Esq., Policy & Advocacy Specialist, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Maxine Thome, Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers/Michigan Chapter
Holly Wingard, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Early Childhood Investment Corporation
Amy Zaagman, Executive Director, Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health
Ex-Officio:
Alicia Guevara Warren, M.P.Aff., Kids Count Project Director, Michigan League for Public Policy
Acknowledgements
The 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book was written and developed by
We wanted to make this book Alicia Guevara Warren of the Michigan League for Public Policy with the
as bright and vibrant as Michi- assistance of League and project staff. Many thanks to Parker James, who
collected and compiled the data. Thank you to Tillie Kucharek and Laura
gan’s kids, so we asked children Ross, who helped design the book and graphics. Also appreciated are staff
from around the state to submit members Alex Rossman and Laura Ross for reviewing and editing the data
artwork to show us “what it’s like book and other League staff for fact-checking.
to be a kid in Michigan.” Their Thank you to the members of the Kids Count in Michigan Advisory
responses are featured in this Committee, who have given their time and expertise to help shape the data
book and other project activities throughout the year. We are grateful for
year’s book. your thoughtful review of the data book.
We are also so grateful for all of the kids who submitted their artwork for
this year’s book! It is a beautiful display of artistic talent from across the
Kids Count in Michigan is part of state and across age ranges. Thank you to the parents, teachers and other
a broad national effort to meas- caring adults for helping with the submission process.
ure the well-being of children at Generous Supporters of the 2019 Kids Count in
the state and local levels and Michigan Data Book
use that information to shape Annie E. Casey Foundation
efforts to improve the lives of The Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
The Skillman Foundation
children. Steelcase Foundation
Michigan Education Association
The project is housed at the American Federation of Teachers Michigan
Michigan League for Public Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Policy, a research and advocacy DTE Energy Foundation
organization whose mission is Ford Motor Company Fund
Ruth Mott Foundation
to advance economic security,
Battle Creek Community Foundation
racial equity, health and well-
being for all people in every The findings and conclusions presented herein do not necessarily reflect
the opinions of our funders.
part of Michigan through policy
change. Data Provided by
Center for Educational Performance and Information
Early Childhood Investment Corporation
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Department of Education
Office of the State Demographer
Copyright: Michigan League for Public Policy 2019
Any part of this book may be duplicated and distributed for nonprofit educa-
tional purposes provided the source is credited.
www.mlpp.org Suggested citation: Guevara Warren, Alicia S. 2019 Kids Count in Michigan
Data Book: What It’s Like to Be a Kid in Michigan. Lansing, Michigan: Michi-
gan League for Public Policy.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 About the Kids Count
Indicators
3 Using the Data Book
4 Data Into Action
6 Trends in Child Well-Being
7 Background Information
8 Overall Child Well-Being
County Rankings
9 Child Population
10 Economic Security
16 Health & Safety
22 Family & Community
Brook Robinson, Age 18
28 Education
34 Data Definitions
and Notes
Introduction
Michigan is at a crossroads.
The data is clear and cannot be denied: We know the barriers children face to reaching their
full potential. Some children face roadblocks along their pathway to success due to their
family’s income, where they live or because of inequitable access to opportunities based on
race and ethnicity. Immigrant families have also experienced incredible trauma because of
federal policy decisions. Policymakers, community leaders and residents have the opportu-
nity to take action now to support all kids and families.
Our children are in need of leadership and courage from those with the ability to make
change and strategic investments. For example, while educational outcomes continue to lag,
study after study has determined that Michigan has underfunded public schools. Research
has shown that funding has also not been equitably distributed to reach the students who
need the most support.1 If Michigan is going to reach its goal of becoming a “Top 10 in 10
Years” in education, then state leaders should prioritize our kids from cradle to career. The
data shows that Michigan’s children are struggling in other areas as well—not just in educa-
tion—pointing to the need for comprehensive solutions that look at the whole child and the
families and communities that they are a part of.
As we near the 2020 Census, there is also a responsibility to
ensure that all people are counted. Young children and those liv-
ing in high-poverty communities are more likely to be missed.2
We can either take
In Michigan, about 11% of young children live in hard-to-count the necessary steps
areas. It’s even higher in Detroit: 70% of young children are to ensure adequate
at high risk of being missed. Already undercounted are immi-
grants and those whose primary language may not be English, investments in our kids
and with the proposed inclusion of a citizenship question on are made, or we can
the census survey, the undercount will likely be even worse.3
What’s at stake if all children aren’t counted? Over $4 billion in
continue to languish
federal funding that is based on an accurate count of children while other states move
to determine the need for programs and services, including ahead.
child care, Medicaid and school lunch. Every child must be
counted.
As in previous editions, the 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book lays out the data to help
illustrate the state of Michigan’s children. The report is a tool to be used to make informed
policy decisions. The strategies may vary for kids depending on their needs—which are
identified through the data. However, one thing is clear: Everyone wants every child in our
state to thrive. We can either take the necessary steps to ensure adequate investments in
our kids are made, or we can continue to languish while other states move ahead.
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 1
About the Kids Count Indicators
Economic Security
Children in Poverty (Ages 0-17) Young Children Eligible for Students Eligible for Free/Reduced-
-U.S. Census Bureau, SAIPE- SNAP (Ages 0-5) Price Lunches
Children growing up in poverty ($24,858 -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- -Center for Education Performance Information-
for a family of four in 2017) are much The Michigan Food Assistance K-12 students from families with incomes below 130%
more likely than their peers to experi- Program (FAP), known as SNAP of the federal poverty level are eligible for a fully
ence stress and deprivation that hinders nationally, provides financial assis- subsidized lunch. Those from families with incomes
health, development and readiness tance to families with low incomes to between 130% and 185% of poverty are eligible for
for school, and other developmental buy groceries, striving to reduce food reduced-price lunch. This is commonly used as a
outcomes. insecurity. proxy for poverty.
Health & Safety
Less Than Adequate Prenatal Care Low-Birthweight Infant Mortality Child/Teen Deaths
-MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- Babies -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- (Ages 1-19)
-MI Dept. of Health & Human
Prenatal care increases the chances of a Infants who die before their -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services-
Services-
healthy pregnancy and birth. Adequacy first birthday is a child out- Child and teen death rates
of prenatal care is based on the Kessner Infants born with low come, but also an indicator from all causes, such as
Index, which measures adequacy by the birthweight (less than 5 of population health. There accidents, illnesses, homi-
month the care began, number of pre- lbs., 8 oz.) are at a higher are several main causes cide and suicide, can reveal
natal visits and length of the pregnancy. risk for physical and de- of infant deaths, some underlying issues and
Prenatal care is adequate when it begins velopmental delays that of which are genetic and inequities within communi-
in the first trimester and includes, on hinder growth, school others are environmental ties, such as neighborhood
average, at least one or two additional readiness and long-term factors. safety, access to healthcare
prenatal visits per month, depending on health outcomes. or exposure to environmen-
length of gestation. tal toxins.
Family & Community
Births to Teens (Ages 15-19) Children in Families Children Confirmed as Children Placed in Out-of-
-MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- Investigated for Abuse/ Victims of Abuse/Neglect Home Care Due to Abuse/
Teen moms often struggle to Neglect -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- Neglect
complete high school, live in -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services- Experiencing abuse or neglect -MI Dept. of Health & Human Services-
poverty, and raise a child alone, Each reported case of abuse as a child is one adverse child- Children are removed from their
making it more difficult for them or neglect is investigated and hood experience (ACE) that families and placed in a foster
to create good early learning categorized based on the hinders healthy development home, relative care, residen-
environments to ensure their evidence collected and the and outcomes into adulthood. tial care or shelter following
children are ready and prepared safety risk for recurrence of substantiated abuse or neglect.
for school. Babies born to teen abuse or neglect. This also has an adverse effect
mothers are more likely to be on health, development and
born too early and/or too small. outcomes into adulthood.
Education
3- and 4-Year-Olds Students NOT Grad- Third-Graders NOT Eighth-Graders NOT Students NOT
NOT in Preschool uating From High Proficient in English Proficient in Math College Ready
-U.S. Census Bureau, SAIPE- School on Time Language Arts -MI Dept. of Education- -MI Dept. of Education-
Children who partic- -MI Dept. of Education- -MI Dept. of Education- Proficiency in math by Students who meet the
ipate in high-quality Students who gradu- After third grade, students the end of middle school college readiness bench-
preschool programs ate with their cohort read to learn rather than prepares students marks are more likely to
are more likely to within four years are learn to read, making third- for high school math successfully complete
be socially and more likely to be grade reading proficiency an courses, increasing entry-level college require-
cognitively ready for better prepared for important benchmark of future chances of graduation ments without remediation
kindergarten. postsecondary educa- academic outcomes, such as and development of basic courses. Being college
tion or training. high school graduation and math skills for adulthood. ready at the start of college
long-term economic security. increases the likelihood of
postsecondary graduation.
2 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book
Using the Data Book
Since 1992, the Michigan League for Public Policy has produced
the annual Kids Count in Michigan Data Book.
The book reviews background and trend data to evaluate the well-being of children throughout communities in
Michigan while identifying policy strategies that could be implemented to improve outcomes. The base period for
the 2019 book is 2012 compared to 2017, unless otherwise noted. The report analyzes 16 key indicators across
four domains: 1) economic security; 2) health and safety; 3) family and community; and 4) education. The overall
child well-being rank is based on a county’s rank in 14 of the 16 measures; infant mortality and child and teen
deaths are excluded as many counties do not have sufficient data on these two indicators.
The following data limitations exist, or continue to exist, in this year’s report:
Children hospitalized for asthma: In 2015, there were changes in the coding, making previous and future
years incomparable. With this change, the data is only available in a single year, which means that almost
all counties do not have data available since this data is generally reported in three-year averages.
Virtual schools: Due to the methodology and available data, virtual schools are included in county
data according to the location of the virtual school authorizer.
Program participation in Detroit and Flint: Kids Count in Michigan has been unable to obtain Detroit
and Flint data for the Food Assistance Program and Family Independence Program despite multiple
requests. Detroit data are available through December 2016. Flint data remain unavailable at this time.
M-STEP and college readiness: In September 2018, new disclosure avoidance rules were applied to
M-STEP and college readiness data. As a result, districts with fewer than 10 test-takers, or where the
number of students not meeting proficiency or college readiness was suppressed, were excluded
from analysis. County and city totals are estimations that may exclude some districts, and careful
consideration should be taken when comparing data across years due to changes in data disclosure.
Throughout the report, the term “low income” refers to 200% of federal poverty while “poverty” refers to 100%
of federal poverty. Additionally, please note changes to racial and ethnic terminology. Both the switch to “Latinx”
to refer to the Hispanic/Latino community and the use of African American, unhyphenated, have been made
intentionally in the interest of inclusion.
Data by race and ethnicity is collected and reported differently based on the source, and data labels in charts
and the narrative may differ to reflect this. The Children’s Services Administration at the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has made their data available in a detailed breakdown, which is then
categorized by the League. All children with a race code that includes Hispanic are categorized as “Hispanic,”
while children with multiple race codes are categorized as “Multiracial.” Children with single race codes are
categorized accordingly. The MDHHS also includes race codes “Unable to Determine” and “No Match Found,”
which the League categorizes as “Unable to Determine.” Due to these changes, data prior to fiscal year 2016
cannot be compared. Additionally, for the first time, Vital Statistics data from the MDHHS was provided in a raw
format allowing the League to conduct more in-depth analysis by race and ethnicity; however, these data are still
comparable to previous years.
Finally, caution should be taken when reviewing rates (e.g., per 1,000 or 100,000), percentages and numbers.
Small population numbers in some areas of the state often result in data being suppressed, and small numbers
may cause percentage changes in a rate to appear more significant. Also, keep in mind that some data are based
on different time frames (e.g., school years, fiscal years, and three-year and five-year averages).
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 3
Data Into
Action Michigan has seen some positive movement in recent years in policy decisions and
Strategies investments, yet outcomes for children have been mostly stagnant, , pointing to the need
for Improving to do much more. Data should be used by policymakers to understand where efforts should be
focused in order to support all kids and families across the state. Applying a racial equity
Overall Child lens to proposed policies and using two-generation strategies are two approaches that
Well-Being should be adopted to improve the overall well-being of kids, families and communities.
Economic Security
Key Findings Recommendations
Nearly1 in 5 kids in Michigan live below the
Modernize the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to allow
young workers and childless adults, often noncustodial parents, to
federal poverty line, which is not an adequate receive the credit. The EITC helps workers with low wages keep
measure of the share of families whose basic more of what they earn to make ends meet. Research shows that
needs are going unmet. children in families receiving the EITC benefit through improved
educational and health outcomes.
An estimated 23% of children live in working
Ensure access to affordable, high-quality child care by expanding
families with low incomes who are struggling to
income eligibility levels for subsidies and increasing provider
make ends meet, in part, because of low-wage reimbursement rates. Child care helps provide early learning
jobs, unaffordable child care and housing, and a experiences for children, allows parents to work and benefits
lack of access to affordable postsecondary training employers.
and education programs to help gain the skills
necessary to obtain a job that pays well. Support youth and young adults to access postsecondary training,
credentialing and education programs through flexible programming
and increased financial aid. Providing multiple paths to access
postsecondary programs, like early middle college programs, can
help students achieve necessary career skills. It is also important to
make college affordable for all students.
Health & Safety
Key Findings Recommendations
Significant health disparities exist by race and eth- Expand home visitation programs and strengthen the system
nicity for women and children in Michigan. by creating a centralized intake process that will ensure
families are able to participate in the program that will meet
their needs best. Home visiting programs are evidence-based
African American babies are more than two and research shows that they improve outcomes in health,
times as likely to die before their first birthdays, economic security and school readiness.
there is an increasing rate of Latinx infant mor-
talities and women of color face more barriers to Restore funding for family planning and pregnancy prevention
programs to previous levels. Unintended pregnancy can lead
accessing adequate prenatal care.
to delayed prenatal care and preterm births, which impact
With a low of 3% uninsured, Michigan does
the health of moms and babies, including maternal and infant
mortality.
well in providing health coverage to chil-
dren, but more can be done. Under the Children’s Health Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), states have the ability to
provide health coverage to lawfully residing immigrant children
before the five-year wait period ends. Michigan should extend
coverage to these children to promote better health.
4 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book
Family & Community
Key Findings Recommendations
More than 1 in 5 kids in Michigan have experienced two Raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years old
or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), stressful or and fully fund its implementation.
traumatic events impacting long-term well-being.
Promote comprehensive strategies to prevent child abuse
Michigan is one of four states to still automatically prosecute and neglect, including investments in job training and child
17-year-old children as adults in the criminal justice system care, along with positive parenting education, such as home
regardless of the crime. This law prevents youth from visitation programs.
accessing age-appropriate treatment in the juvenile justice
system and increases trauma for young people while also Address disparities in the child welfare system through
leading to higher crime rates and more violent offenses. appropriate data collection and cultural competency training
Additionally, the rate of child abuse and neglect has for workers.
continued to rise—by 30% from 2012 to 2017—with Ensure adequate support for programs that assist foster
disproportionate impacts on children of color. There are also youth exiting the system with education, housing and work.
recent increases in the rate of children placed in out-of- In Michigan, only 3% of youth transitioning out of foster care
home care due to abuse or neglect. receive employment assistance, and just 1% receive education
58%
support.
Approximately of young people exit foster care
because they are emancipated or age out of the system
without any permanence, meaning without a recognized
adult parenting relationship in place.
Education
Key Findings Recommendations
M-STEP, the state’s standardized assessment on English Provide sufficient funding for early interventions to improve third-
Language Arts, math, science and social studies, has been grade reading using a birth-to-8 framework, including maternal
and child health programs, Early On, and affordable, high-
in place for four years.
quality child care and education.
56% of third-graders test below proficiency in reading. Ensure that all children from families with low and moderate
incomes can receive a high-quality preschool education.
Over 67% of eighth-graders are not proficient in math.
Address the state’s Read by Grade Three law, which will allow
for the retention of students reading below grade level in the
Plus, more than half of Michigan’s 3- and 4-year-olds upcoming school year by ensuring adequate funding and
are not enrolled in preschool, which is critical to support for parents, schools and communities.
building a strong foundation for learning. Students from
families with lower incomes face additional barriers to Adequately fund public schools, targeting resources in high-
need areas and fully funding the At-Risk program.
reaching their potential.
Data Collection
Key Findings Recommendations
Data collection by race and ethnicity is inconsistent with To make informed policy decisions and increase
federal standards in several state systems, especially in transparency, robust data must be collected and publicly
the justice system. Juvenile justice data collection statewide disseminated, including data by race and ethnicity.
is also inadequate and requires investment to create a
streamlined system that is supported at the state and local
levels.
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 5
MICHIGAN
2019 TRENDS IN CHILD WELL-BEING
(All Data Are for 2017 Unless Otherwise Noted)
2012 2016 % change Child population by race 2012 2016 % change
P 173,982 180,051 3.5%
O Total population 9,883,360 9,933,445 0.5% Hispanic 0-17
P Non-Hispanic 0-17
U Child population 0-17 2,266,870 2,189,505 -3.4%
• White 1,591,656 1,518,967 -4.6%
L • Ages 0-5 697,840 688,553 -1.3%
A • Ages 6-12 889,637 849,758 -4.5% • African American/Black 408,553 393,828 -3.6%
T • American Indian 18,919 17,823 -5.8%
I • Ages 13-17 679,393 651,194 -4.2%
O • Other 73,760 78,836 6.9%
N
BASE YEAR CURRENT YEAR
NUMBER RATE NUMBER RATE RATE CHANGE
ECONOMIC SECURITY 2012 2017
Children in poverty, ages 0-17 549,131 24.7% 416,305 19.6% -20.6%
Young children, ages 0-5, in the
Food Assistance Program1 259,168 36.7% 179,467 26.1% -28.9%
Students receiving free/reduced- 2011-12 (SY) 2017-18 (SY)
price school lunches2 747,630 48.1% 742,922 50.3% 4.7%
HEALTH & SAFETY 2010-12 (avg.) 2014-16 (avg.)
Less than adequate prenatal care 33,431 29.4% 36,926 32.5% 10.6%
Low-birthweight babies 9,599 8.4% 9,637 8.5% 0.6%
Infant mortality (per 1,000) 783 6.9 763 6.7 -2.4%
Child/Teen deaths, ages 1-19 (per 100,000) 684 27.5 630 26.7 -3.2%
FAMILY & COMMUNITY (per 1,000) 2010-12 (avg.) 2014-16 (avg.)
Births to teens, ages 15-19 9,793 28.1 6,371 19.4 -30.9%
Child abuse/neglect 2012 2017
Children in investigated families 206,896 90.1 249,110 113.8 26.2%
Confirmed victims 33,565 14.6 41,462 18.9 29.5%
Children in out-of-home care 10,316 4.5 11,209 5.1 13.9%
EDUCATION 2008-12 (avg.) 2013-17 (avg.)
3- and 4-year-olds not in preschool 126,290 51.5% 123,617 52.9% 2.7%
2012 2017
Students not graduating on time 30,808 23.8% 24,035 19.8% -16.6%
2016 2018
Students not college ready 67,878 65.1% 68,757 65.4% 0.5%
Not proficient (M-STEP) 2014-15 (SY) 2017-18 (SY)
Third-graders (English Language Arts) 53,535 49.9% 56,872 55.6% 11.4%
Eighth-graders (Math) 75,854 67.8% 74,265 67.3% -0.7%
1
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
2
Family income is below 185% poverty level.
SY - School Year. | M-STEP - Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress was first administered in 2015.
6 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookMICHIGAN
2019 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS NUMBER RATE ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Children receiving... Unemployment 4.6%
• Subsidized child care, ages 0-121 33,648 2.2% Median household income $54,840
• FIP cash assistance1,2 35,448 1.5% Average cost of full-time child
• Food Assistance Program 1,3
509,470 21.9% care/month (2018) $563
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 270,784 47.3% • Percent of full-time
minimum wage (2018) 35.2%
Children with support owed 511,639 20.8%
Percent of young children
• Receiving none (% of those owed) 92,125 18.0% ages 0-5 in Michigan
• Receiving less than 70% of amount 263,182 51.4% families (2013-17 avg.)
• Average amount received (month) $216 — where all parents work 66.2%
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY NUMBER RATE
Births to moms without high school diploma or GED (2014-16 avg.) 13,539 11.9%
High-poverty neighborhoods, ages 0-17 (2013-17 avg.) 323,870 15.0%
Household structure, ages 0-17 (2013-17 avg.)
• Two-parent family 1,425,045 66.2%
• One-parent family 727,831 33.8%
Poverty by household structure, ages 0-17 (2013-17 avg.)
• Two-parent family 139,881 9.8%
• One-parent family 319,116 43.8%
English not spoken at home, ages 5-17 (2013-17 avg.) 170,164 10.4%
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE NUMBER RATE
Children with health insurance (2016) 2,195,206 96.9%
Children, ages 0-18, insured by...
• Medicaid1 1,003,645 43.1%
• MIChild 44,170 1.9%
Fully immunized toddlers, ages 19-35 months
(for the series 4:3:1:3:3:1:4)1 125,853 75.0%
Lead poisoning in children, ages 1-2
• Tested 93,174 40.4%
• Poisoned (% of tested) (EBL confirmed by venous) 1,519 1.6%
Children, ages 1-14, hospitalized for asthma (rate per 10,000) (2016) 1,979 9.3
Children with special needs
• Students in Special Education1 207,315 14.0%
• Children receiving Supplemental Security Income (rate per 1,000)1 41,149 17.7
• Children, ages 0-2, receiving Early On services (ISD totals) 10,527 3.1%
1
As of December 2017.
2
Family Independence Program.
3
State name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called “food stamps.” Note: Percentages reflect percent of population unless otherwise noted.
See Data Definitions and Notes for details.
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 7Overall Child
Well-Being
Ranked
Overall Trend Ranking
Infant Mortality and Child Deaths excluded, Keweenaw excluded
aw
een
Kew
Houghton
Ontonagon Baraga
Luce
Gogebic Marquette
Alger Chippewa
Iron Schoolcraft
Mackinac
Dickinson Delta
e
ne
mi
Emmet
n
no
ga
Me
oy
Presque
eb
Ch
Charlevoi Isle
x
y
nc
ore
Antrim Otsego Alpena
ntm
u
na
Mo
ela
Le
Grand Kalkaska Crawford Oscoda Alcona
Benzie
Counties Ranked From 1 Traverse
(Best) to 82* (Worst) n
e
mo
Iosco
ke
Wexford Ogemaw
au
om
Manistee
ss
sc
Mi
Ro
1-20 Counties Ranked Arenac
Mason Lake Osceola Clare Gladwin
1 82 Huron
21-40
Oceana Newaygo Mecosta Isabella Midland Bay
Tuscola Sanilac
41-60 Montcalm
Gratiot
Saginaw
Muskegon
61-82 Genesee Lapeer St. Clair
ee
Ionia Clinton
ass
Ottawa Kent
iaw
Sh
mb
*Keweenaw County is excluded
co
due to insufficient data. Eaton Ingham Livingston Oakland
Ma
Allegan Barry
Van Buren Jackson Washtenaw Wayne
Kalamazoo Calhoun
Berrien Cass St. Joseph Branch Hillsdale Lenawee Monroe
1. 1.
Livingston
Livingston 111.1. Midland
Midland 221.
1. Marquette
Marquette 31.Sanilac
31. Sanilac 41. 4Kalamazoo
1. Kalamazoo51. 51. Buren
Van Van Buren 61. 61. Crawford72. Oceana
Crawford 72. Oceana
2. 2.
Clinton
Clinton 12.
12. Lapeer
Lapeer 22. Benzie
22. Benzie 32.Chippewa
32. Chippewa 42. 42. Gratiot 52.
Gratiot 52. Alpena 61.
Alpena Iron61. Iron 73. Calhoun
73. Calhoun
3. 2. Washtenaw
Washtenaw 13. Monroe
13. Monroe 23.
23. Antrim
Antrim 33.
33.Menominee
Menominee 43. 43.
Branch
Branch 53. 53. Saginaw 63.
Saginaw Roscommon 73. Clare73. Clare
63. Roscommon
4. 4. Ottawa
Ottawa 14. Barry
14. Barry 24.
24. Ionia
Ionia 34.
34.Missaukee
Missaukee 44. 44.
Presque Isle Isle
Presque 54. 54. Montcalm 64.
Montcalm Jackson
64. Jackson 75. Oscoda
75. Oscoda
5.
5. 6. Oakland
Oakland
Leelanau
14.
14.
16.
Eaton
Eaton
Macomb
25. Lenawee
25. Huron
26.
Lenawee 35. St. Clair
35.Delta
36.
St. Clair 45. 45.
Cass
46. 46.
Cass
Ingham
55.
56.
St. St. Joseph 65.
55.Joseph
Osceola 66.
Genesee
65. Genesee76. Iosco76. Iosco
Wayne 77. Schoolcraft
6. 7.
Leelanau 16. Macomb 26. Otsego
Huron 36. Delta Ingham 56. Osceola 67. 66. Wayne 78. Manistee
Gladwin 77. Schoolcraft
Emmet 17. Allegan 26. 37. Baraga 47. Ontonagon 57. Cheboygan 67. Gladwin 79. Muskegon
78. Manistee
7. 8.
Emmet
Houghton 17.
18. Allegan
Dickinson 26. Alger
28. Otsego 37.Mason
38. Baraga 48. 47. Ontonagon58.
Tuscola 57. Cheboygan68.
Berrien Gogebic
8. 9.
Houghton
Grand Traverse 18.
18. Dickinson
Kent 28. Mackinac
29. Alger 38.Arenac
39. Mason 49. 48. Tuscola 59.
Newaygo 58. Berrien 68.
Ogemaw 68.
Wexford Gogebic 80. Luce79. Muskegon
9.10.
Grand Traverse
Charlevoix 19. Kent
20. Isabella 29. Mackinac
30. Shiawassee 39. Arenac
40. Mecosta 50. BayNewaygo 60.
49. 59. Ogemaw 70.
Hillsdale 68. Wexford81. Alcona
Montmorency 80. Luce
10. Charlevoix 20. Isabella 30. Shiawassee 40. Mecosta 50. Bay 60. Hillsdale 71. 70. Montmorency
Kalkaska 82. Lake81. Alcona
71. Kalkaska 82. Lake
8 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookChild Population
Michigan’s child population continues to decline, with decreases higher than
18% in some counties.
aw
een
Kew The state’s child population is mostly
Houghton balanced across age groups.
Ontonagon Baraga
Luce
15-19 0-4
Gogebic Marquette
Chippewa Years Years
Alger
Iron Schoolcraft
Mackinac
27% 23%
Dickinson Delta
e
ne
mi
Emmet
n
no
ga
Me
oy
Presque
eb
Ch
Charlevo Isle
ix
5-9
y
nc
10-14
ore
Antrim Otsego Alpena
Years
ntm
u
na
Years
Mo
ela
Change in Child Population 24%
Le
by County, 2012-2016 Benzie
Grand Kalkaska Crawford Oscoda Alcona 26%
Traverse
n
Increase
e
mo
Iosco
ke
Wexford Ogemaw
au
om
Manistee
ss
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016; Ages 0-19
sc
Mi
Ro
Arenac
No Change (0% to +/-1%) Mason Lake Osceola Clare Gladwin
Huron
-1% to -5% Oceana Newaygo Mecosta Isabella Midland Bay
Tuscola Sanilac
-5% to -9% Muskegon
Montcalm
Gratiot
Saginaw
Genesee Lapeer St. Clair
-10% and above
ee
Ionia Clinton
ass
Ottawa Kent
iaw
Sh
mb
Michigan Rate: -3.4%
co
Eaton Ingham Livingston Oakland
Ma
Allegan Barry
Median Rate: -4.8%
Van Buren Jackson Washtenaw Wayne
Kalamazoo Calhoun
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State and County
Population Estimates; Ages 0-17 Berrien Cass St. Joseph Branch Hillsdale Lenawee
Monroe 60,000—or 3%
of all children in Michigan were born
outside of the United States.
With a declining child population, still about 1 in 3 are
kids of color. 286,000—or 13%
of Michigan kids live in an immigrant
0.8%
8.2% family, where they or at least one
parent was born outside of the
2016 69.4% 18.0% 3.6%
country.
7.7% 0.8%
2012 70.2% 18.0% 3.3%
24,000—or 8%
of children in immigrant families live
with a parent who has been in the
U.S. less than five years.
White non-Hispanic Black non-Hispanic Hispanic
Native non-Hispanic Other non-Hispanic Source: National KIDS COUNT
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016; Ages 0-17
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 9Economic Security While the child poverty rate is on the decline, we know that isn’t enough. The federal poverty level is an outdated measure, plus there continues to be about 1 in 5 children living in poverty with more young children and children of color disproportionately impacted. Two-thirds of young children have both parents in the workforce, yet child care alone can consume more than 35% of full-time, minimum wage earnings, which equal approximately $1,600 a month. Positively, Michigan’s median income has increased by 17% from 2012 to 2017; however, the county with the largest incomes (Livingston County) Child care alone can is 134% higher—more than double—than the county consume more than 35% with the lowest median income (Lake County). There of full-time, minimum has been an uneven recovery in the state’s economy. wage earnings. This inequitable distribution of income and resources results in many negative impacts on children: • Fewer family resources to provide basic needs, let alone cover expenses for extracurricular and other enrichment activities that are important for all kids; • Increased family financial stress for prolonged periods of time can cause toxic stress response, which affects child development1; • School quality varies significantly based on a community’s ability to pay taxes to support their local districts, as necessary, when state funding has declined significantly2; and, • Lack of access to affordable, high-quality child care, healthy foods, adequate transportation and more all affect children and families and are tied to income. 10 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book
Almost half of counties experienced a larger decrease in child poverty
than the state average.
aw
een
Kew
Houghton
Ontonagon Baraga
Luce
Gogebic Marquette
Alger Chippewa
Iron Schoolcraft
Mackinac
Dickinson Delta
e
ne
mi
Emmet
an
no
yg
Me
Presque
o
eb
Ch
Charlevo Isle
ix
y
nc
ore
Antrim Otsego Alpena
ntm
u
na
Mo
ela
Child Poverty Rates by
Le
Grand Kalkaska Crawford Oscoda Alcona
Benzie
County Traverse
n
e
mo
Iosco
ke
Wexford Ogemaw
au
om
Manistee
Below 17%
ss
sc
Mi
Ro
Arenac
Mason Lake Osceola Clare Gladwin
6.3% 17% to 24% 40.7% Huron
24% to 28% Oceana Newaygo Mecosta Isabella Midland Bay
Tuscola Sanilac
Above 28% Montcalm Saginaw
Muskegon Gratiot
Genesee Lapeer St. Clair
ee
Ionia Clinton
ass
Ottawa Kent
Michigan Poverty Rate: 19.6%
iaw
Sh
mb
Median Poverty Rate: 20.9%
co
Eaton Ingham Livingston Oakland
Ma
Allegan Barry
Van Buren Jackson Washtenaw Wayne
Kalamazoo Calhoun
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Monroe
Berrien Cass St. Joseph Branch Hillsdale Lenawee
Poverty Estimates
Families of color face more barriers to economic security, with higher rates having
low incomes.
74% 70%
Percent of Children in Families
With Less Than 200% of FPL
2012 2016 64% 60%
56% 54%
46% 42%
38%
33%
28% 28%
* *
American Asian and Black or Hispanic or White, non- Two or more Total
Indian Pacific African Latinx Hispanic races
Islander American
* No data available
Source: National KIDS COUNT
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 11Emily Glas, Age 9
County Summary & Rankings
2017: Child poverty, ages 0-17 2017: Young children eligible for food aid (SNAP)
Michigan: 19.6% Michigan: 26.1%
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate 5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Livingston 6.3% Lake 38.8% Livingston 7.5% Wayne 43.6%
Clinton 7.7% Clare 37.8% Ottawa 8.2% Lake 43.4%
Ottawa 8.2% Roscommon 37.8% Leelanau 10.1% Genesee 38.8%
Oakland 9.3% Wayne 33.4% Keweenaw 10.6% Saginaw 38.6%
Leelanau 10.9% Crawford 30.5% Clinton 11.9% Iosco 38.6%
Number of Counties: Number of Counties:
2012 vs. 2017 2012 vs. 2017
Ranked Changed Improved Ranked Changed Improved
83 83 79 83 83 82
12 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookSusan Nasser, Age 4 Ciara Sheffey, Age 9
2017-2018: Students eligible for
free/reduced-price lunch
Michigan: 50.3%
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Inequitable distribution Livingston 22.3% Lake 95.3%
of income and resources Clinton 31.3% Oceana 74.8%
results in many negative Washtenaw 32.0% Oscoda 72.5%
impacts on children. Oakland 34.7% Roscommon 72.2%
Ottawa 36.3% Iosco 70.8%
Number of Counties:
2012 vs. 2018
Ranked Changed Improved
82 78 15
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 13What does the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
mean for a family of four in Michigan?
Young children are
23%
200% 150% 100% 50% more likely to live in
poverty during some
18%
$49,716 $37,287 $24,858 $12,429 of their most formative
a year a year a year a year years of development. Percent in Poverty
about about about about
41% of 31% of 20% of 9% of
kids kids kids kids
Ages 0 to 5 Ages 6 to 17
Source: National KIDS COUNT, 2017 Source: National KIDS COUNT, 2017
1 4
Nearly in young adults
ages 18-24 live in poverty.
19.6%
of children in Michigan
live in poverty.
1in 4 children in
immigrant families live below
the poverty threshold.
Gabriel Sheppard, Age 10
Nearly half of children in immigrant families More than 1 in 8 young adults ages 16-24 struggle to
live in families with low incomes. access school and work.
2012 2016
Percent Not Attending School
53%
47% 19%
and Not Working
15% 14%
12%
8% 7%
Not Low Income Low Income 16 to 19 20 to 24 16 to 24
Source: National KIDS COUNT, 2016 Source: National KIDS COUNT
14 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookMelody Placeway, Age 13
As poverty rates decline, program participation also down with the exception of
free or reduced-price lunch.
2012 2017
4.5%
Family Independence Program (FIP), Ages 0-18
1.5%
48.2%
Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program, K-12*
50.3%
36.7%
Food Assistance Program (FAP), Ages 0-5 26.1%
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), 51.2%
Ages 0-4 47.3%
2.9%
Child Care Subsidies, Ages 0-12
2.2%
Percent Receiving Each Program
*Students receiving due to income eligibility, not community eligibility provisions.
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Education
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 15Health &
Safety
The health of moms and babies is incredibly
important to our state.
Unfortunately, the data show that there is a lot of work to do to ensure that women
not only have access to prenatal care, but also to family planning options. Both
have impacts on birth outcomes. Over 30% of births are to women who were not
planning to become pregnant, which comes with a higher likelihood that prenatal
care does not begin on time.1 More than 32% of births are to
women who received less than adequate prenatal care due Home visiting programs
to lack of access, coverage, transportation, irregular work improve outcomes for
schedules and more. Women of color experience systemic women and children,
barriers and worse outcomes. addressing prenatal
care, family planning
Home visiting programs improve outcomes for and much more.
women and children addressing prenatal care, family
planning and much more, but the need is much higher
than the available resources. In 2017, over 245,500
home visits were made, serving over 24,000 women and 23,000 children.2
Historically, Michigan has done well in ensuring that children have healthcare
coverage. In 2016, nearly 97% of children in the state had some type of health
insurance. About half of states have opted to provide health coverage to immigrant
children and pregnant women who are lawfully residing, or green card holders,
without the typical five-year waiting period.3 Michigan has not. During a time of anti-
immigrant sentiment and policies that threaten the health of immigrant families,
this is one option the state should take to help improve the well-being of all kids in
Michigan.
16 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookThe majority of counties reported at least one child having lead
poisoning, with Cass, Calhoun and Wayne counties reporting that
over 3% of children tested were confirmed as poisoned.
aw
een
Kew
Houghton
Ontonagon Baraga
Luce
Gogebic Marquette
Alger Chippewa
Iron Schoolcraft
Mackinac
Dickinson Delta
e
ne
mi
Emmet
n
no
ga
Me
oy
Presque
eb
Ch
Charlevo Isle
ix
y
nc
ore
Antrim Otsego Alpena
ntm
u
na
Mo
ela
Le
Grand Kalkaska Crawford Oscoda Alcona
Confirmed Lead Poisoning Benzie
Traverse
by County Among Children
n
e
mo Iosco
ke
Tested Wexford Ogemaw
au
om
Manistee
ss
sc
Mi
Ro
Arenac
0% 2+% Mason Lake Osceola Clare Gladwin
Zero Confirmed Huron
Fewer Than 6 Kids Confirmed Oceana Newaygo Mecosta Isabella Midland Bay
Below 1% Tuscola Sanilac
Montcalm Saginaw
Muskegon Gratiot
1% to 1.5%
Genesee Lapeer St. Clair
ee
1.5% to 2% Ionia Clinton
ass
Ottawa Kent
iaw
Sh
Above 2%
mb
co
Eaton Ingham Livingston Oakland
Ma
Michigan Rate: 1.6% Allegan Barry
Median Rate: 0.9%
Van Buren Jackson Washtenaw Wayne
Kalamazoo Calhoun
Monroe
Berrien Cass St. Joseph Branch Hillsdale Lenawee
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
More than
93,000 40.4%
of all 1- to 2-year-olds are tested for
possible lead poisoning.
1- to 2-year-olds in Michigan
are tested for possible lead
poisoning.
44.1%
of all 1- to 2-year-olds on Medicaid are
tested for possible lead poisoning.
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2017
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 17Mari Montgomery, Age 12
County Summary & Rankings
2014-2016: Less than adequate prenatal care 2014-2016: Low-birthweight babies
Michigan: 32.5% Michigan: 8.5%
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate 5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Huron 19.5% Gratiot 51.1% Menominee 3.8% Ontonagon 12.2%
Oakland 19.6% Hillsdale 50.9% Leelanau 4.5% Oscoda 11.6%
Chippewa 20.9% Schoolcraft 50.0% Missaukee 4.9% Crawford 11.0%
Clinton 21.5% Menominee 49.4% Otsego 5.2% Wayne 10.8%
Crawford 21.7% Oscoda 49.1% Dickinson 5.4% Genesee 10.6%
Hillsdale 5.4%
Number of Counties: Number of Counties:
2010-2012 vs. 2014-2016 2010-2012 vs. 2014-2016
Ranked Changed Improved Ranked Changed Improved
83 82 19 82 78 37
18 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookAdrienne Kilmer-Burke, Age 9 Rylie Carey, Age 18
2014-2016: Infant mortality 2014-2016: Child/Teen deaths, ages 1-19
Michigan: 6.7 per 1,000 Michigan: 26.7 per 100,000
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate 5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Isabella 3.5 Gogebic 16.1 Lapeer 11.4 Menominee 48.9
Midland 3.5 Oceana 12.1 Marquette 16.4 Cass 45.9
Marquette 4.2 Saginaw 10.0 Ionia 17.1 Wexford 45.9
Monroe 4.2 Gladwin 9.7 Newaygo 17.4 Manistee 43.4
Tuscola 4.2 Wayne 9.3 Clinton 17.9 Otsego 42.5
Number of Counties: Number of Counties:
2010-2012 vs. 2014-2016 2010-2012 vs. 2014-2016
Ranked Changed Improved Ranked Changed Improved
45 40 20 50 47 23
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 19Navid Ali, Age 16
Rates of infant deaths have decreased overall, but are rising for some babies
of color and significant racial and ethnic disparities exist.
2010-2012 2014-2016
13.8
Infant Death Rate Per
13.6 12.9
11.0
1,000 Births
8.6
6.9 6.7 7.4
5.1 4.8 5.9 5.4
3.4 3.7
TOTAL White, non- African American Asian/Pacific Hispanic Arab (all races)
Hispanic American/Black, Indian/Native, Islander, non-
non-Hispanic non-Hispanic Hispanic
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Statistics
20 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookAfter declining for two years in a row, child death rates are beginning to climb.
30
Rates Per 100,000,
Ages 1-19
20
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2016
African American children make up 18% of the
child population, but 28% of child deaths.
8%
2%
1%
Over
28%
12%
61% of Michigan births are to
mothers born outside of the
United States.
White, non-Hispanic
African American/Black, non-Hispanic
American Indian, non-Hispanic
Asian Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2016
Women of color face more barriers to prenatal care and experience poorer birth outcomes.
Less Than Adequate Prenatal Care Preterm Births Low-Birthweight Babies
44.4%
40.7%
36.8% 35.0%
32.5%
Percent of Live Births
28.5% 29.5%
14.0% 14.3%
9.9% 8.5% 11.5%
8.9% 7.0% 9.1% 7.2% 8.6% 8.9% 9.3% 6
7.6% 7.3%
Total White, non- African Latinx/Hispanic American Indian, Asian Pacific Arab Ethnicity
Hispanic American/Black, non-Hispanic Islander, non- (all races)
non-Hispanic Hispanic
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2014-2016
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 21Family &
Community
Investments in our neighborhoods, schools and
families are critical to building strong foundations
for our children.
Nurturing relationships are also important beginning at birth and through adolescence.
The development of caring relationships affects development in infants and toddlers and is
important for youth as they transition into adulthood.1 The interactions children and families
have with various programs and systems in their communities should reflect this.
Michigan and the U.S. have made incredible strides in reducing
unintended teen pregnancy, but the work is not done and there The amount of trauma
are threats on the horizon. Expanded access to healthcare created through these
and contraception along with funding for evidence-based policy decisions and the
programs are both key strategies to reducing unintended teen
impact on the foster care
pregnancy. There has been a rise in repeat teen pregnancies,
with more young people having subsequent children before system require thoughtful
reaching adulthood. This points to the need for more resources and compassionate
for young parents, whether it is connecting them to child care solutions.
and schooling or supporting their family planning decisions.
Additionally, about 1 in 10 young adults in Michigan are parents
who face unique barriers that should be addressed.2
Rates of child abuse and neglect continue to rise and are of significant concern, as are
recent upticks in the share of children being placed in foster care. Young children and kids
of color—particularly African American children—are disproportionately impacted, along with
LGBTQIA+ youth who are not only overrepresented, but also more likely to leave foster care
without a permanent home.3 Additionally, youth in foster care overall are more likely to age
out instead of leaving with a stable, permanent family relationship, and few receive needed
transition support services like employment, education and housing.4
Increased immigration arrests, detentions and deportations have caused parents and their
children to become separated. There have been reports of families withdrawing from services
and/or not attending school because of fear created. Due to a proposed “public charge” rule,
there’s been evidence of fewer families enrolling in programs intended to improve well-being.
Plus, the potential end to Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from certain countries
could impact over a quarter of a million U.S. citizen children.5 The amount of lifelong trauma
created through these policy decisions and the impact on the foster care system require
thoughtful and compassionate solutions.
22 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookFrom 2012 to 2016, the teen birth rate has declined over 30%. Some parts of
the state experience higher rates with more barrirs to healthcare
aw
een
Kew
From 2012 to 2016, the teen
Houghton
Ontonagon Baraga birth rate has declined over
Gogebic Marquette
Luce
Chippewa
30%. Some parts of the state
experience higher rates with
Alger
Iron Schoolcraft
Mackinac
Dickinson Delta
more barriers to healthcare
access.
e
ne
mi
Emmet
n
no
ga
Me
oy
Presque
eb
Ch
Charlevo Isle
ix
ncy
ore
Antrim Otsego Alpena
ntm
u
na
Mo
e la
Le
Live Births to Teens Ages Benzie
Grand Kalkaska Crawford Oscoda Alcona
15-19 Live Births to Teens Ages 15-19,
by County*, 2014-2016 Traverse
2014-2016 Average
n
Rate Per 1,000 Teens
e
mo
Iosco
ke
Wexford Ogemaw
au
om
Michigan Rate per 1,000 Manistee ss
sc
Mi
Ro
Teens:19.4 Arenac
Mason Lake Osceola Clare Gladwin
6.3 Below 20 40.7 Huron
20-25 Oceana Newaygo Mecosta Isabella Midland Bay
Median Rate per 1,000
Tuscola Sanilac
Teens: 23.2
25-30 Montcalm
Gratiot
Saginaw
Muskegon
Above 30 Genesee Lapeer St. Clair
ee
Ionia Clinton
ass
Ottawa Kent
iaw
Sh
*Keweenaw County is excluded
mb
MichiganSource:
Rate Per 1,000 teens: 19.4
Michigan
due to insufficient data. Department of Health and
Eaton Ingham Livingston Oakland co
Ma
Median Rate:
Human 23.2
Services Allegan Barry
Van Buren Jackson Washtenaw Wayne
Kalamazoo Calhoun
Monroe
Berrien Cass St. Joseph Branch Hillsdale Lenawee
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
More young mothers are having additional children during their teen years.
2010-2012 2014-2016
21.7%
20.6% 21.0%
Percent of Births, Ages 15-19
20.0%
17.1% 17.5% 17.8% 18.0% 18.1% 17.8%
Repeat Teen Births
15.9%
13.4% 14.4% 14.6%
Total White, non- African Latinx/Hispanic American Indian, Asian/Pacific Arab (all races)
Hispanic American/Black, non-Hispanic Islander, non-
non-Hispanic Hispanic
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 23Rio Tomlinson, Age 16
County Summary & Rankings
2014-2016: Teen births 2017: Children in investigated families
Michigan: 19.4 per 1,000 Michigan: 113.8 per 1,000
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate 5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Livingston 6.3 Schoolcraft 40.7 Keweenaw 40.3 Iosco 250.6
Washtenaw 6.3 Oceana 39.7 Leelanau 41.1 Lake 245.4
Isabella 8.6 Clare 37.2 Livingston 52.4 Montcalm 223.3
Oakland 9.4 Manistee 35.8 Oakland 56.2 Wexford 215.9
Houghton 9.7 Oscoda 35.5 Ottawa 65.7 Jackson 215.4
Ottawa 9.7
Number of Counties: Number of Counties:
2010-2012 vs. 2014-2016 2012 vs. 2017
Ranked Changed Improved Ranked Changed Improved
82 82 76 83 82 10
24 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookAli Mukahhal, Age 5 Eleanor Groen, Age 7
2017: Confirmed victims of abuse/neglect 2017: Children in out-of-home care
Michigan: 18.9 per 1,000 Michigan: 5.1 per 1,000
5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate 5 Best Counties Rate 5 Worst Counties Rate
Oakland 8.4 Lake 44.2 Houghton 1.1 Gogebic 20.6
Clinton 9.0 Gladwin 43.8 Washtenaw 1.8 Cass 14.6
Houghton 9.2 Alcona 43.6 Clinton 2.0 Crawford 14.1
Macomb 9.4 Kalkaska 42.2 Missaukee 2.0 Lake 13.4
Leelanau 9.8 Wexford 41.3 Oceana 2.1 Oscoda 12.8
Number of Counties: Number of Counties:
2012 vs. 2017 2012 vs. 2017
Ranked Changed Improved Ranked Changed Improved
82 81 19 80 77 31
2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book | 25Michaela Enger, Age 10
A disproportionate number of African American children are placed in foster care, and the share of
multiracial and White children is increasing.
Care by Race/Ethnicity
50% White, non-Hispanic
Ages 0-21 in Foster
Percent of Children
46%
37%
29% African American/Black, non-Hispanic
10% 13% Multiracial, non-Hispanic
6% 7% Latinx/Hispanic
1% 1% American Indian, non-Hispanic
2012
2012 2013
2013 2014
2014 2015
2015 2016
2016
Source: National KIDS COUNT
26 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookAfrican American children have systematically been
overrepresented in the total number of victims of abuse
and neglect.
American
Indian/Alaskan
Native
0.4%
Asian
Multiracial Percentage of children who
0.3%
9.4% are confirmed as victims of
abuse and neglect.
African
American/Black
27.4%
White
54.7%
Latinx/Hispanic
6.9%
Native
Hawaiian/Other
Pacific Islander
Unknown 0.0%
0.9%
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2017
Rebecca Johnson, Age 10
The rate of children placed in out-of-home care is
increasing after several years of decline.
11,209
12,000 10,316 10,264 10,668 10,512 6
White 9,970
The structures and institutions in which 10,000 5
Number of Children,
53.4% 4.8 4.8
5.1
our children are growing up—and how 8,000 4.5 4.4 4.6 4
Ages 0-17
6,000 3
those systems interact with one 4,000 2
another—have an effect on child 2,000 1
development and well-being across - 0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
time.
Number of Children Rate Per 1,000
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
While 10% of all foster children age out, 58% of older foster youth age out. Less than half of children
are reunified with their families and almost a third are adopted.
2012 2016
Percent Exiting Foster Care
47% 46%
32% 32%
10%10%
6% 7% 3% 2%Education
It isn’t news that our students are struggling
with educational achievement.
In the national 2018 KIDS COUNT Data Book, Michigan ranked 38th in the country
on four measures of educational outcomes—an improvement from 41st the year
before. Yet, the most recent M-STEP results show that nearly 56% of Michigan’s
third-graders are not proficient in reading. This is important as we approach the next
school year, when the Read by Grade Three law will mandate that students are re-
tained if they are more than one grade level behind. There were many well-intended
components of the law, however, sufficient financial resources from the state were
not provided to support our schools to meet these new re-
quirements. Students from families with low incomes and
students of color will be disproportionately impacted if noth-
wage earni from families with low
Students
ing is changed. incomes and students of color
will be disproportionately
Third-grade reading is built on a strong foundation in early
impacted if nothing is changed.
childhood, which includes healthy births, access to infant
mental health, interventions for developmental delays,
high-quality child care and preschool attendance. The read-
iness gap begins at birth and continues due to a difference
in resources and opportunities.1 These all impact graduation rates and college readi-
ness, which are two other areas in need of attention. To reach educational goals, like
becoming a “Top 10 in 10 Years” state, there also needs to be a focus on systems
that interact with institutions of education.
Several studies now have shown that Michigan is underfunding schools. The state’s
school finance model has not addressed equity and, in fact, support for students with
greater barriers—poverty, language access and more—has diminished relative to
the number of students in need.2 Ensuring that all of our children are well-educated
and prepared for the workforce is critical, regardless of where they live, their family’s
income, or their race and ethnicity.
28 | 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data BookYou can also read
