Wyoming is struggling to support children’s well-being in key areas, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s latest report on child wellness.

The 2026 Kids Count Data Book says child well-being declined between 2019 and 2024, driven largely by poor educational outcomes and rising housing costs.

Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the foundation, said the report is meant to show where children are doing well and where more support is needed.

Image

“It is intended to shine a spotlight on the well-being of children,” Boissiere explained. “And also to pinpoint investments that are making a difference to show policymakers where they are doing well, and where there needs to be greater investment, so that kids can thrive.”

Wyoming ranks third in children’s economic well-being, but the report says economic prosperity is not reaching all children in the state. About 12,000 children in Wyoming still live in poverty. One in four children live in families spending 30% or more of their income on housing. The state did see an increase in the number of children living in families where the head of household has a high school diploma. Overall, Wyoming ranks 12th for child well-being.

Following a national trend, Wyoming’s education outcomes, which dropped during the pandemic, have gotten worse. The report found 64% of children are not proficient in reading and 70% are not proficient in math.

Micah Richardson, associate director of policy for the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, said schools play a critical role, but other investments can also support children’s academic success.

“We know that early childhood programs impact long-term outcomes for students, and they tend to have greater success in the long term,” Richardson asserted. “We also know that out-of-school-time programs play a huge role in supporting student success.”

Richardson acknowledged Wyoming policies to support mental health appear to be helping. Child and teen death rates declined from 36 deaths per 100,000 children to 31 deaths per 100,000 children in 2024, which she called a significant improvement.

“It's not enough,” Richardson stressed. “We want to see that improve even more. And we need to continue to focus our efforts, both public and private, to ensure that our kids have the support they need to address these issues that are weighing on them.”