SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - According to the latest KIDS COUNT data book almost 40,000 children live in poverty in South Dakota.
Project Director Carole Cochran says the trend has worsened since 2008 with an additional 4,000 kids living in poverty. Cochran says 21,000 kids live in high poverty areas in South Dakota. She says it's a slight decrease from 2008 to 2010 despite an increase nationwide.
KIDS COUNT also assesses children’s economic well-being, health and family and community. South Dakota ranks 18th nationally in overall child well-being according to the latest KIDS COUNT Data Book.
Cochran says in terms of health, South Dakota ranks 20th nationwide. She says South Dakota has come a long way in providing health care to children. She says there's been a two percent improvement in the number of children without health insurance.
KIDS COUNT reveals the percentage of teens who abused alcohol or drugs dropped to five percent