Research
Learn More About KIDS COUNT®
What is KIDS COUNT®?
KIDS COUNT® is a national project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation that tracks the well-being of children across the United States. Since 1990, the annual KIDS COUNT® Data Book has used trusted, reliable data to measure how kids are doing in areas like health, education, and family stability in every state. Access more information through the KIDS COUNT® Data Center.
In Alabama, VOICES for Alabama’s Children is proud to serve as the state’s official KIDS COUNT partner.
What is the Alabama Kids Count Data Book?
Since 1994, VOICES has published the Alabama Kids Count Data Book to shine a light on how children are faring in communities across our state. Each year, the report tracks more than 70 key indicators—such as child poverty, health, education, and family well-being—to show where progress is happening and where challenges remain.
Our data comes from respected sources, including Alabama state agencies, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the American Community Survey. We analyze this raw information to develop clear rates and percentages that can be compared over time, across counties, and statewide.
Because large data systems take time to collect and report information, there is often a delay between when data is gathered and when it is published. Even so, the Alabama Kids Count Data Book always includes the most current and comparable data available for every county in Alabama.
Why is it important?
Good data leads to better decisions.
By sharing clear, credible information about Alabama’s children, we help policymakers, community leaders, nonprofits, and families understand real needs—and take meaningful action to address them.
Alabama Kids Count data is used in powerful ways:
- Nonprofits and agencies rely on it to document community needs and secure funding for programs that support children and families. Organizations have used this data to help bring millions of dollars in grant funding to Alabama.
- Media outlets use it to inform the public and raise awareness about issues affecting children.
- Business leaders and public officials use it to shape policies and programs that improve child well-being at the local and state levels.
In short, Alabama Kids Count serves as both a benchmark for progress and a road map for the future.
Because when it comes to kids, facts matter!
What are Alabama Kids Count Data Maps?
Our interactive data maps make it easy to explore county-level information and see how children are doing across the state. Like the Data Book, these maps are built from the latest available information from trusted public sources and are designed to help users compare trends over time and across communities.
Alabama’s kids do count!
Explore the most recent Alabama Kids Count Data Book and see what the data says about your community. Integration of our online data maps will be available soon!