National Composite Rank

The national composite rank (NCR) measures the overall level of child well being in a state. NCR is obtained by converting the 1998 numerical variables into standard scores, and then adding the standard scores for the 10 variables together. Standard scores are derived by subtracting the mean score from the observed score and then dividing that amount by the standard deviation for that distribution of scores. No preference is given to any of the KIDS COUNT indicators; they are all weighed equally. After combining the 10 standard scores into one national composite the 50 states are then ranked on the basis of the standard score in sequential order from highest/best to lowest/worst (1 being the highest, 50 the lowest). A more detailed definition of National Composite Rankings is available on KIDS COUNT main web page. To get to it go to the KIDS COUNT web site and then click on the section titled "Definitions and Data Sources."

According to KIDS COUNT indicators the living conditions for America’s youth greatly improved throughout the 1990s. Teenage pregnancy, infant mortality and the percentage of children living in poverty all decreased during the past decade. As NCR statistics point out, however, the places where children fair best hardly changed during the 1990s. The states with the lowest scores (Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi) in 1990 remained lowest scoring in 1999; and while there was movement at the top (with Minnesota jumping from the fifth best place for children in 1990 to the best in 1999) here also eight of the highest scoring states in 1990s were found in the top ten states in 1999. Overall, the Northeast United States as well as parts of the Midwest had the highest NCR scores, while states in the deep south (Texas and Florida excluded) had the lowest scores.