Study Reveals States with Most Underprivileged Children, Highlighting Urgent Need for Action

A recent study by WalletHub has shed light on the states with the most underprivileged children in 2025, revealing significant disparities in child welfare across the United States. The study, which was released during Child Support Awareness Month, evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 25 key indicators of neediness, including poverty rates, food insecurity, and access to healthcare.

New Mexico emerged as the state with the highest number of underprivileged children, followed by Alaska and Louisiana. The findings highlight Louisiana's alarming child food-insecurity rate, which is double that of Massachusetts, the state with the lowest rate. Mississippi was identified as having the highest rate of infant deaths, nearly three times that of New Hampshire, while West Virginia has the highest share of children in foster care, 13.8 times more than New Jersey.

Texas stands out for having the highest percentage of uninsured children, a rate 7.9 times higher than in Massachusetts. On the other hand, Massachusetts itself reports the highest share of maltreated children, 11.3 times more than New Jersey. These statistics underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle child poverty and enhance access to essential services.

For more information on the study and its methodology, visit https://www.wallethub.com. The findings are a vital tool for policymakers, advocates, and communities dedicated to securing a better future for every child.