Definition

Overall Ranks for 2017 for each state using a consistent set of indicators; namely those used to derive the rank reported in the 2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

The overall rank for each state was obtained in the following manner. First, we converted the 2015 (or 2014/2015, depending on the indicator) state numerical values for each of the 16 key indicators into standard scores. We summed those standard scores within their domains to create a domain standard score for each of the 50 states. We then summed the four domain standard scores to get a total standard score for each state. Finally, we ranked the states on the basis of their total standard score in sequential order from highest/best (1) to lowest/worst (50). Standard scores were derived by subtracting the mean score from the observed score and dividing the amount by the standard deviation for that distribution of scores. All measures were given the same weight in calculating the total standard score.

Data Source

Population Reference Bureau, analysis of data gathered for the 2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

Notes

Updated June 2017.

Last Updated

2017-06