Kentucky, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Recent analyses by the Prichard Committee reveal significant advancements in Kentucky’s education and community well-being outcomes. Metrics such as early childhood education, poverty levels, and postsecondary enrollment rates have all shown promising improvements over the last three years, indicating a commitment to supporting families and enhancing educational aspirations among the youth. Noteworthy statistics include increasing healthy birthweights and a rise in household income, reflecting ongoing efforts to better the lives of Kentuckians.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Kentucky has seen significant improvements in education and community well-being outcomes, according to recent analyses by the Prichard Committee. Key metrics show advancements in areas such as early childhood education, poverty levels, and postsecondary enrollment rates, with various indicators demonstrating positive trends over the past three years.
In 2023, 91.2% of babies in Kentucky were born with a healthy birthweight, a slight increase from 91.1% in 2022. The percentage of children under the age of 18 living above the poverty line rose to 81% in 2024, an increase from 79% in 2023. This marks a continued effort to support family and child welfare in the state.
Preschool enrollment for Kentuckians ages three and four saw notable growth, reaching 38% in 2024, up from 36% the previous year. Furthermore, the rate of Kentuckians aged 18 to 24 enrolled in postsecondary education climbed to 44% in 2024, an increase from 41% in 2023, showcasing a rise in educational aspirations among young people.
The state’s public two-year colleges also recorded improvements, with the graduation rate for students entering in 2020 reaching 44% by 2023, compared to 41% for those who entered in 2019. Additionally, Kentucky’s median household income increased to $64,536 in 2024, reflecting a 5% rise from $61,228 in 2023, indicating a strengthening economic position for families.
The state also made strides in connectivity, with broadband access across households increasing to 90.9% in 2024, up from 90.1% in 2023. Voter participation in the 2024 elections surged to 63%, contrasting significantly with 49% in 2022, and nearing the 65% peak recorded during the 2020 elections.
While the four-year graduation rate at public universities stabilized at 57% in 2023, Kentucky maintained its performance in adult education and access to high-speed internet. The percentage of adults aged 25–64 with at least an associate degree held steady at 40% in 2024.
The Prichard Committee’s report also highlights that Kentucky improved its rankings across six key categories including healthy birthweight, children living above poverty, preschool enrollment, postsecondary enrollment, and voter turnout. The ongoing emphasis on education reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing public education and community wellbeing.
Moreover, Kentucky’s fourth graders showed commendable performance in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), particularly in mathematics, compared to previous assessments, while the eighth graders exhibited no significant changes across subjects including math, reading, science, and writing. Kentucky’s students achieved scores above the national average in fourth and eighth-grade reading and fourth-grade math.
Despite the improvements, there remains a call for continued community engagement in public education and the need for consistent strategies at all educational levels. Future indicators will track progress in NAEP reading and math, high school graduation rates, and life expectancy.
The latest data is sourced from reputable national organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the American Community Survey. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be crucial in driving educational progress across Kentucky.
FAQ Section
What were the healthy birthweight statistics for Kentucky babies in 2023?
In 2023, 91.2% of babies were born with a healthy birthweight in Kentucky, showing a slight increase from 91.1% in 2022.
How did Kentucky’s median household income change in 2024?
Kentucky’s median household income rose to $64,536 in 2024, representing a 5% increase from $61,228 in 2023.
What percentage of Kentucky residents are enrolled in postsecondary education?
In 2024, 44% of Kentuckians aged 18–24 were enrolled in postsecondary education, increasing from 41% in 2023.
Chart of Key Features
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Birthweight Percentage | 91.1% | 91.2% |
| Children Above Poverty Line | 79% | 81% |
| Preschool Enrollment | 36% | 38% |
| Postsecondary Enrollment Rate | 41% | 44% |
| Median Household Income | $61,228 | $64,536 |
| Voter Participation | 49% | 63% |
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Additional Resources
- WHAS11 News
- Kentucky Today
- Kentucky Local News
- Wikipedia: Education in Kentucky
- Google Search: Kentucky education news
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