Johnson County is home to 143,100 children, and nearly 1 in 3 children are under the age of 6 years, according to 2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Census data and the 2017 Kansas KIDS COUNT report indicate the status of Johnson County's children:
27,400 children in Johnson County live in poverty or in low-income households (8,200 and 19,200 children, respectively), according to 2016 Census data. These children are more likely to have worse health, education, and social outcomes than their more affluent peers.
90% of pregnant women receive prenatal care. On a related note, the infant mortality rate is only 3.54 per 1,000 live births, a lower rate than in peer counties and Kansas.
72% of births in Johnson County occur to women in the labor force. 74% of children live in a household where both parents are in the labor force.
Evidence-based early education programs for low-income children like Early Head Start, Head Start, and school-based pre-kindergarten do not have enough available slots to meet the needs of all Johnson County children.
97% of children in Johnson County have health insurance coverage, according to 2016 Census data.
87% of 3rd through 8th graders read proficiently at grade level.
The rate of violent deaths among teens (suicide, homicide, and motor vehicle accidents) are on the decline and is significantly lower than peer counties.
24% (nearly 1 in 4) children in Johnson County public schools participate in the free and reduced lunch program.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1 year estimates 2016; Kansas KIDS COUNT 2017; KS Dept. for Children and Families EES Monthly Caseload Detail Report SFY 2012-2017
This publication was produced with funding support from United Way of Greater Kansas City.
