Mississippi ranks 16th in education again in latest Kids Count national report

The Annie E. Casey Foundation releases the KIDS COUNT® Data Book annually. KIDS COUNT® indicators capture what children and youth need most across four domains: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.

For the first time, states receive a comprehensive score (from 0 to 1,000) in the Data Book — not just a ranking — tracking 16 indicators over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024. National data trends during that time period find state education scores are the lowest of the four domains, with only Mississippi and Louisiana posting improvements.

Mississippi ranks 50th overall with a score of 271, but scored 448 in the Education domain, an improvement of 17 points in this area between 2019-2024. The Literacy-Based Promotion Act, passed in 2013, focuses on reading proficiency by third grade and making consistent investments in public schools. The state also invested in teacher training and early childhood education infrastructure.

“Mississippi’s continued progress is the result of effective work by our educators, supportive families throughout the years, and strong policies,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “Being one of only two states in the nation to improve in education over a five-year period reflects the strength of investments in literacy, building the capacity of educators, and preparing our youngest learners. We are proud of this milestone and remain committed to building on it for Mississippi students.”

Mississippi was first ranked 16th for education in the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, marking the state’s highest education ranking ever. The education rankings have steadily increased over the years. The state ranked 48th in 2014, 39th in 2022, 32nd in 2023 and 2oth in 2024. The statewide graduation rate has risen from 74.5% in 2013 to 90.8% in 2024-25, higher than the national average.