The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy (WVCBP), in collaboration with the Maryland-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, has unveiled its highly significant 2024 “Kids Count” data book. This comprehensive resource offers a wealth of information on the well-being of children across the state and at the county level. It serves as a crucial tool for advocates, the public, and policymakers alike, guiding them in their efforts to enhance the lives of West Virginia's children.

Unveiling the State of West Virginia's Children's Well-being

Statewide Overview

In West Virginia, a concerning 25 percent of children live in poverty, with a household income below $23,030 for a family of three. The median household income in the state stands at $54,329. Alarmingly, one in five children face food insecurity, not knowing where their next meal will come from. The state has 245,047 children enrolled in public schools. Additionally, 2.6 percent of children under six lack health insurance, while 47.4 percent are insured through Medicaid, which provides crucial healthcare coverage to low-income individuals. There are 5,967 children in state custody as part of the child welfare system.

Greenbrier County Insights

In Greenbrier County, 27.8 percent of children live in poverty, and the median household income is $45,519. The county has 4,555 children enrolled in public schools, with 22 percent having special needs. Six percent of children under six lack health insurance, and 57.4 percent are insured through Medicaid. There are 107 children in state custody in Greenbrier County.

Monroe County Picture

In Monroe County, 22.3 percent of children live in poverty, and the median household income is $52,392. The county has 1,614 children enrolled in public schools, with 17.8 percent having special needs. Only 0.8 percent of children under six lack health insurance, while 67.9 percent are insured through Medicaid.

Summers County Details

Summers County has a distressing 36.8 percent of children living in poverty, and the median household income is $42,991. The county has 1,210 children enrolled in public schools, with 21.2 percent having special needs. 12.3 percent of children under six lack health insurance, and 67.4 percent are insured through Medicaid. There are 15 children in state custody in Summers County.

Fayette County Snapshot

In Fayette County, 30.2 percent of children live in poverty, and the median household income is $50,090. The county has 5,371 children enrolled in public schools, with 20.6 percent having special needs. A significant 70.9 percent of children are insured through Medicaid. There are 141 children in state custody in Fayette County.

Raleigh County Perspective

In Raleigh County, 28 percent of children live in poverty, and the median household income is $47,975. The county has 10,537 children enrolled in public schools, with 20.8 percent having special needs. 52.2 percent of children are insured through Medicaid, and there are 129 children in state custody.

Kanawha County Overview

In Kanawha County, 23.9 percent of children live in poverty, and the median household income is $55,226. The county has 23,437 children enrolled in public schools, with 19.1 percent having special needs. 48.5 percent of children are insured through Medicaid, and there are 1,266 children in state custody.Complete statewide and county-by-county information from the data book can be accessed here: https://wvpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WVCBP_2024KidsCountDataBook_12-09-2024.pdf. For more data related to children, youth, and families in West Virginia, visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center.