Oregon ranks No. 17 in latest Kids Count

from Oregon Live

Oregon and Washington ranked top nationally for the fewest babies born with a low birth weight of 5.5 pounds or less.

Babies with low birth weights are more likely to die in the first year or suffer disabilities. Oregon and Washington's low birth weight score: 6.1 percent of all births. Far below the national average of 8.2 percent.

Oregon's overall ranking in the annual Kids Count state-by-state comparison remained the same as last year: No. 17. Washington ranked No. 11 overall; up from No. 13 in 2007.


Kids Count is a project sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to measure issues affecting children's well-being. Other highlights from the 2008 data book released Thursday:

• Children without health insurance (2005). Oregon: 11 percent. Washington: 7 percent. U.S. average: 11 percent.

• Infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005). Oregon: 5.9. Washington: 5.1. U.S.: 6.9.

• Teen death rate (deaths per 1,000 teens ages 15-19 in 2005). Oregon: 51. Washington 53. U.S.: 65.

• Teen birth rate (births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 in 2005). Oregon: 33. Washington: 31. U.S.: 40.

• Median income of families with children, 2006. Oregon: $52,200. Washington: $58,800. U.S.: $54,500.

• Children living in poverty (income below $20,44 for a family of two adults and two kids in 2006. Oregon 17 percent. Washington: 15 percent. U.S: 18 percent.

-- Michelle Cole; michellecole@news.oregonian.com