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Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
United States Value:
Percentage of the population that is younger than age 18
Percentage of the population that is younger than age 18
17.4% - 20.0%
20.1% - 21.0%
21.1% - 21.9%
22.0% - 22.9%
23.0% - 26.6%
US Value: 21.5 %
Top State(s): Vermont: 17.4 %
Bottom State(s): Utah: 26.6 %
Definition: Percentage of the population that is younger than age 18
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Census Bureau, Single-Race Population Estimates via CDC WONDER Online Database, 2024
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, Single-Race Population Estimates via CDC WONDER Online Database, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
The demographics of a state influence the health needs and outcomes of its population. Understanding a state’s breakdown by age, income, education, race/ethnicity and other demographics can help state health officials and other policymakers determine health promotion and disease prevention priorities, and address health disparities.
In 2024 there were over 73 million children in the United States, making up nearly 22% of the nation’s population.
Opportunities exist to reduce preventable deaths among children and improve their access to health care, nutrition and education, as well as their general health and well-being. The quality of educational and developmental opportunities available to children can significantly influence their health in adulthood. Research shows that high-quality early childhood development programs play a pivotal role in preventing disease and promoting health into adulthood.
Prioritizing children’s health is also vital for the overall population's health. Childhood stressors, such as poverty, racial discrimination and toxic or violent home conditions, can negatively impact physical and mental development and are associated with higher rates of chronic disease and unhealthy behaviors later in life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a report on the importance of identifying at-risk children and taking action to address disparities across the social determinants of health. Efforts to increase the likelihood of positive health outcomes among children include:
Healthy People 2030 has an overarching goal to promote healthy development for children and adolescents. Specific objectives include:
Campbell, Frances, Gabriella Conti, James J. Heckman, Seong Hyeok Moon, Rodrigo Pinto, Elizabeth Pungello, and Yi Pan. “Early Childhood Investments Substantially Boost Adult Health.” Science 343, no. 6178 (March 28, 2014): 1478–85. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1248429.
Robinson, Lara R., Rebecca H. Bitsko, Ross A. Thompson, Paul H. Dworkin, Mary Ann McCabe, Georgina Peacock, and Phoebe G. Thorpe. “CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Health Disparities in Early Childhood.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 66, no. 29 (July 28, 2017): 769–72.https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6629a1.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.
