Colorado

Children & Families

We can learn a lot about any country based on how it treats its children. Research is also clear that childhood shapes our life trajectories in profound ways. Moreover, those trajectories are shaped by children's families. For example, parents' income and wealth shape the physical resources available in the household. The time that parents and other family members spend with their children shape children's values, knowledge, skills, habits, beliefs, and emotional well-being. We are also products of our neighborhoods, friendships, national culture, policies, environments, and the decisions we make in adulthood. In the long run, no country can be more successful than its children.

Summary of Results.

Colorado’s progress with Children & Families has been mixed.

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  • Child Mortality
    Specific Measure

    Mortality rate of children under age five per 100,000 children under age five, age-adjusted

    (Source: Authors' analysis of Centers for Disease Control data).
    State Rank
    State vs. US trend
    10

    Why did we include this measure?

    All forms of mortality are concerning, but the deaths of young children are especially alarming, given the vulnerability of this group. A rising number of deaths also signals larger trends in threats and risks, even to those who survive.

    View Child Mortality Nationwide

    Colorado State Trend Improving

  • Low Birthweight
    Specific Measure

    Percentage of live births where children weigh 2,499 grams (5.51 lbs.) or less

    (Source: Authors' analysis of Centers for Disease Control data).
    State Rank
    State vs. US trend
    44

    Why did we include this measure?

    Low birthweight is associated with a wide range of short-term issues for infants and longer-term issues later in life, including developmental delays, chronic health issues, behavioral and emotional problems, and stunted physical growth.

    View Low Birthweight Nationwide

    Colorado State Trend Worsening

  • Youth Depression
    Specific Measure

    Percentage of youth aged 12-17 who reported experiencing a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in the past year

    (Source: Authors' analysis of National Survey on Drug Use and Health data).
    State Rank
    State vs. US trend
    48

    Why did we include this measure?

    Depression is an extreme form of mental distress and a common precursor to suicide. Given the importance of childhood for shaping life trajectories, depression at this early stage is a particular concern for the future. Especially in its more extreme forms, depression affects almost every element of life, including the ability to focus on studying, participate in school activities, and engage in deep relationships with friends and family. Depression also carries over to our ability to sleep and other aspects of our physical health. Those who have depression when they are young are also more likely to experience depression, and all of these symptoms, when they are older.

    View Youth Depression Nationwide

    Colorado State Trend Mixed

    Break in trend comparability starting in 2021-22 data year. Data is provided as pooled two-year estimates. The trend graph displays the measure as a single-year estimate, taking the second year of the pooled estimate and reporting no data in the first year.

  • Children Living With Single Parent
    Specific Measure

    Percentage of own-children under age 18 living in single-parent households, of all own-children under age 18

    (Source: Census Bureau).
    State Rank
    State vs. US trend
    6

    Why did we include this measure?

    Single-parent households have less access to quality housing and schooling and are more unstable financially, which causes stress for parents and more frequent housing moves. Single parents also have less time and energy to spend with their children to provide emotional support, instill good habits, enforce rules, and help with homework. Perhaps for these reasons, growing up in a single-parent household is associated with a wide range of negative consequences during adolescence, including lower academic achievement, higher dropout rates, increased aggression in school, fewer social connections, risky behaviors (e.g., drug use), and a higher chance of teen pregnancy. When they become adults, these children tend to have lower incomes, higher rates of anxiety and depression, difficulty engaging in their own stable relationships (e.g., they have higher divorce rates), and increased rates of incarceration. Growing up with a single parent seems to be a particular problem for boys.

    View Children Living With Single Parent Nationwide

    Colorado State Trend Stable

  • Mixed: the trends go in strongly opposite directions during different periods.
  • Unclear: too few years of data to establish a trend.

Measures in green indicate an improving state trend or that this state ranks in the top third of states in the country.

Measures in red indicate a declining state trend or that this state ranks in the bottom third of states in the country.

Measures in yellow indicate stable trends or that this state ranks in the middle third of states in the country.