GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The 2013 Kids Count in Michigan report shows more kids are living in families that are struggling.
According to the report, about one in four children are living in poverty. It also shows a 53 percent increase in the amount of children who qualify for federal food assistance. Another troubling find included in the report is that there has been a 41 percent increase in children living in families investigated for abuse or neglect between 2005 and 2012.
In West Michigan
- Kent County: 20 percent of kids were living in poverty in 2011, a 24 percent increase since 2005.
- Muskegon County: 29 percent of kids were living in poverty in 2011, a 33 percent increase since 2005.
- Kalamazoo County: 22 percent of kids were living in poverty in 2011, a 30 percent increase since 2005.
- Calhoun County: 29.2 percent of kids were living in poverty in 2011, a 39 percent increase since 2005.
The report does list some positive changes, such as improvements in fourth grade reading scores, along with improvements in eighth grade math and high school reading.
To read the full report or find out how your county fared, click here.
