Kansas kids’ overall standing looks strong in one measure, but the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book highlights two major strains: a sharp rise in uninsured children and a slide in reading and math performance among students.
The data show child poverty fell from 101,000 to 87,000 between 2019 and 2024, more parents working full time, and Kansas ranking second nationally for families not being overwhelmed by housing costs. Yet uninsured rates climbed in 2024, when 51,000 Kansas children lacked health insurance—up from 43,000 in 2019 and the highest total since 2012. At the same time, 72% of Kansas fourth graders scored below reading proficiency, and 74% of eighth graders scored below math proficiency in 2024, both worse than 2019.
Kansas Press Association notes these challenges could intensify with federal actions affecting programs that help families. After H.R. 1 cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP, the article cites that more than 20,000 Kansans—including 10,000 children—were kicked off SNAP, and dozens of Kansas hospitals were deemed at risk of closure.
The piece urges Kansas leaders to protect and expand Medicaid access, pass a state child tax credit, fully fund a new school finance formula, and protect state funding tied to K-12 classrooms and safe roads.