LANSING, MI (AP)-- The annual Kids Count survey finds Michigan's child poverty rate worsening since the Great Recession while child health indicators are improving.
The report released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation says Michigan ranks 33rd in child well-being nationally, down one slot since last year. Nearly one in four children lived in poverty in 2013, compared with almost one in five in 2008.
Children in high-poverty neighborhoods increased from 340,000 in 2006-2010 to almost 400,000 in 2009-2013.
Michigan's lowest ranking was in education, though the survey says recent increased spending on early childhood programs will help.
The anti-poverty Michigan League for Public Policy says Michigan is "losing ground while other states prosper."
Michigan improved in child death and low-birth weight baby rates, teen substance abuse and children with health insurance.