New Hampshire Ranked First in the Nation for Childhood Wellbeing

Concord, NH – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is pleased to announce that New Hampshire has been named number one for child well-being in the 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT^® Data Book.  

The 2023 KIDS COUNT^® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent household data released this week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains – economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors – and ranks states according to how children are faring. For the second consecutive year, New Hampshire also ranked in the top five states in those domains. 

"To be ranked the #1 state in America for child well-being should be a major point of pride for all Granite Staters," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Together, we've made landmark investments in early childhood education, mental health, childcare, and so much more. Our work continues, but this ranking is further proof that New Hampshire is far and away the best place for children and families to thrive."

“We are honored that New Hampshire has ranked first in the U.S. when it comes to children’s health and wellbeing, which is the result of the collective efforts made by the department, our community partners, and stakeholders across the state,” said DHHS Interim Commissioner Lori Weaver. “This recognition is not something we take for granted, and much more progress lies ahead. We will continue to lift up the daily work that occurs on behalf of children and families that allows them to grow in communities that are supported, successful, and strong.”

The report also examines the accessibility and affordability of childcare across the United States, and makes several recommendations for improvements. Since March 2020, DHHS has invested more than $112 million to support and strengthen the State’s childcare system, focusing on increasing the available supply of childcare professionals, increasing access to affordable childcare, and minimizing overhead costs for childcare providers. 

There are a number of significant investments in the childcare system in the recently passed state budget, including a $15 million workforce fund, enrollment-based payment to child care providers on behalf of families receiving the NH Child Care Scholarship vs. attendance-based payment, and expanded eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship to 85% of the state median income.

Read the 2023 KIDS COUNT^® Data Book.