New Orleans Youth Dashboard
Published: Nov 18, 2024
Youth Demographics
New Orleans population under 18 years old
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2023
Since 2020, the total population of New Orleans has declined 5 percent, while the child population has declined 7.2 percent. Birth rates have been declining in New Orleans and nationwide. Each year since 2015, fewer children have been born in New Orleans and these lower birth rates have contributed to a shrinking young child population, subsequently shrinking kindergarten enrollments.
New Orleans population under 20 years old by race/ethnicity, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2023
Compared with 2020, the city has roughly 100 fewer Asian and 100 fewer Hispanic children, as well as 5,000 fewer Black children. Meanwhile, the number of White (non-Hispanic) children has increased by roughly 200. Nonetheless, the child population of New Orleans remains predominantly Black. All told, according to the most recent data in 2023, the population under 20 years old in New Orleans is 61 percent Black, 23 percent White, 11 percent Hispanic, 3 percent multi-racial, and 3 percent Asian.
Economic Stability
Child poverty
Percent of children under 18 years old below poverty level, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*Differences between geographies are statistically significant at the 95% C.L.
Scientific research has shown that poverty can lead to chronic, toxic stress. Uncertainty about whether there will be enough food to eat, frequent moves, exposure to violence, and lack of parental supervision due to irregular work schedules typical of low-wage jobs can lead to chronic stress, which actually affects the structure of the brain. Chronic stress affects school readiness and leads to difficulties in memory and self-regulation. Of the approximately 71,000 children living in New Orleans, 1 in 3 live in poverty, more than double the national rate.
Percent of children under 18 years old below poverty level by race/ethnicity, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*For all geographies, the differences between races are statistically significant (95% C.L.) except the difference between child poverty rate for Black children and Hispanic children in New Orleans. The child poverty rate for Black children is statistically higher in New Orleans than in Louisiana or the U.S. The child poverty rate for White children is statistically lower in New Orleans than in Louisiana (95% C.L.).
Both Black and Hispanic children in New Orleans are more likely to live in poverty than their peers nationally. As of 2023, 43 percent of all Black children in New Orleans live in poverty while 4 percent of White children and 33 percent of Hispanic children live in poverty. Persistent racial disparities in poverty can be observed over the last 40 years in New Orleans. Child poverty rates for Black children have declined slightly from their peak in 1989, but at 43 percent are still 10 times higher than poverty rates for White children in New Orleans. Over the last 40 years close to half of all Black children in New Orleans were living in poverty.
How is child poverty measured?
The wages of adult family members determine whether children live in poverty. Poverty status is determined by comparing a family’s annual income to a set of poverty thresholds (in dollars) that vary by family size, number of children, and age of householder. If a family’s pre-tax income is less than their given poverty threshold, then that family — and every individual in it — are counted as living in poverty.
The Census still uses the federal definition for poverty that was first created in 1964. The original calculations were based on studies from the early 1960s that indicated family food costs were about one-third of a family’s budget. But housing costs have risen much faster than food costs since 1964. Also, the current calculations don’t count non-cash government aid, like Child Tax Credits or housing subsidies, as income. And they aren’t adjusted for differences in costs of living in different parts of the country. Given these limitations, the Census began publishing a Supplemental Poverty Measure that incorporates up-to-date data on regional housing costs as well as several kinds of government aid. According to the Census, the 2022 Supplemental Poverty Rate for the U.S. was 12.4 percent. The Official Poverty Rate that same year was 11.5 percent. The Census Bureau does not calculate Supplemental Poverty Rates for geographies smaller than the nation as a whole.
Parental employment
Percent of families with children under 18 with at least one parent working, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*The difference between New Orleans and Louisiana, and between New Orleans and the U.S. are NOT statistically significant (95% C.L.).
The financial stability of children in families is dependent on the parents’ income, usually their income through work. Secure parental employment is associated with reduced risk for poverty, higher family income, and access to private insurance. And higher family income is associated with positive child outcomes, such as better health, behavior, academic achievement, and financial well-being as adults. In 2023, the percent of families with children with at least one working parent in New Orleans was 88 percent. Although the share in New Orleans appears slightly lower than Louisiana and the U.S, the differences are not statistically significant.
Youth unemployment
Percent unemployed, for age group 16-24, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*The difference between New Orleans and Louisiana, and between New Orleans and the U.S. are NOT statistically significant (95% C.L.).
Most young people will be working their first jobs between the ages of 16 and 24 years old. Youths’ first jobs can be critical to establishing social and economic stability for the rest of their lives. Youth employment — especially in higher quality jobs offering better hours, wages, and benefits — can teach youth responsibility, assist in the development of organizational and time management skills, help cultivate good work habits, and offer valuable work experiences. In New Orleans, 14 percent of young people ages 16 to 24 are unemployed. Although the share in New Orleans appears higher, the differences between New Orleans, Louisiana, and the U.S. are not statistically significant.
Opportunity youth
Percent of the population 16-24 years old who are not in school and not working, 2018
Source: Measures of America, Youth Disconnection.
Young people ages 16 to 24, who are out of school and out of work, are often referred to as “Opportunity Youth,” because of the potential value they could add to their communities. Common causes of disconnection from work and schooling include leaving high school without a diploma, finishing high school or college but still lacking the education or skills needed to obtain a job, having a criminal record, and having parenting/family responsibilities that impede employment or school attendance. According to the most recent data, in 2018, 16.4 percent of youth across Louisiana were considered Opportunity Youth — an even higher share than in New Orleans, where 15.5 percent of youth were estimated to be Opportunity Youth. Both have higher shares of Opportunity Youth than the U.S., where 11.2 percent of youth people are Opportunity Youth.
Housing Affordability
Percent of renters paying the majority (50%+) of their household income on housing costs, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*The differences between New Orleans and Louisiana are NOT statistically significant (95% C.L.)
Median gross rent, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*The differences between New Orleans, Louisiana, and the U.S. are statistically significant (95% C.L.)
Housing is typically one of the largest expenses for families, and low-income families are more likely to have severe housing cost burdens — that is, they spend more than half of their pre-tax household income on housing costs (rent plus utilities). Having to spend the majority of their income on rent means less money for families to buy food, clothing, medical care, educational needs, and other necessities. , The United States has faced a significant housing shortage since the Great Recession, when home construction began to dramatically decline. This decline has led to years of rising home prices, which have outpaced income growth., When the pandemic hit in 2020, the federal government lowered interest rates, and many consumers shifted their spending toward housing which caused a surge in home buying. This surge increased home prices and rents even more. Nationwide, the median gross rent (rent plus utilities) at $1,406 is higher than in New Orleans, where it is $1,203, or Louisiana where it is $1,020. Still, because incomes are lower in New Orleans, over 1 in 3 renter families spend the majority of their household income on housing, well above the 26 percent of U.S. households that are similarly housing cost burdened.
Health and Well-being
Infant mortality
Infant death rates per 1,000 births, 2021
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Linked Birth / Infant Deaths on CDC WONDER Online Database.
Note: Rates represent infant deaths within the first year of life, and do not include stillborn.
Infant mortality rates are an indicator not only of infant health, but also of the conditions in which mothers live and into which children are born. Factors like maternal health, access to medical care, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood conditions impact infant mortality rates. In 2021, the New Orleans infant mortality rate was 7.2 per 1,000 live births compared to 7.24 for Louisiana, and 5.44 for the U.S. For this indicator, New Orleans fares slightly better than the state, but quite a bit worse than the nation as a whole.
Low birth weight
Percent of live births with low birth weights, 2022
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Natality on CDC WONDER Online Database.
An indicator related to infant mortality is low birth weight. Infants born with low birth weights, weighing less than 5.5 pounds, are more likely to experience developmental and health problems and are more likely to die in the first year of life. Babies born at low birth weight are also more likely than babies at normal weight to have health conditions later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Preterm birth, (birth before 37 weeks) is the leading cause of low birth weight and infant mortality in the United States. According to researchers at the National Academy of Sciences, “Preterm birth is a complex cluster of problems with a set of overlapping factors of influence. Its causes may include individual-level behavioral and psychosocial factors, neighborhood characteristics, environmental exposures, medical conditions, infertility treatments, biological factors, and genetics. Many of these factors occur in combination, particularly in those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.” At 13 percent, a larger share of infants born in New Orleans in 2022 had low birth weights, compared with the state as a whole (11.5 percent). And Louisiana had a higher share of infants born with low birth weights than the U.S. as a whole (8.6 percent).
Immunizations
Percent of children who received 7-vaccine series by age 35 months, 2020 birth year
Source: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Note: Data represents the percent of children born in 2020 who received the combined 7-vaccine series by age 35 months.
One of the best ways to protect children from preventable and sometimes deadly diseases such as measles and polio is to make sure they have all their vaccinations. A 7-vaccine series against chickenpox, diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal, polio, rubella, and tetanus are recommended for children by the time they reach two years old. In Louisiana, 75 percent of children born in 2020 had received the 7-vaccine series recommended for all 2-year-old children by the time they were nearly three years old. This vaccine rate is slightly higher than the national rate.
Youth mental health
Percent of Louisiana high school students who seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months by race/ethnicity, 2021
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2021 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Social pressures and limited school resources negatively affect many youths. Heavy social media usage among adolescents also contributes to depression and anxiety. Recently, anti-LGBTQ legislation, abortion bans, gun violence, climate change, and increasing economic uncertainty have added to the challenges America’s youth face. Poor mental health among young people can hinder academic performance, decisionmaking abilities, and overall well-being. Additionally, poor mental health frequently co-occurs with other health and behavioral challenges such as substance abuse, exposure to violence, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. High school students across the U.S. have experienced a significant decline in mental health since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, 25 percent of White high school students in Louisiana, 28 percent of Black high school students, and 30 percent of Hispanic high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide.
Healthy diet
Percent of Louisiana high school students who did not eat fruit or vegetables (in the last seven days), by race/ethnicity, 2021
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2021 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Fruits and vegetables are considered an essential part of a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals and fiber. Eating fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease later in life. In 2021, roughly 1 in 5 Louisiana high school students reported not eating fruits or vegetables in the previous week. White high schoolers were less likely to have eaten fruit (18 percent), while Black (20 percent) and Hispanic (22 percent) high schoolers were less likely to have eaten vegetables.
Physical activity
Percent of Louisiana high school students who were not physically active for at least 60 minutes on at least one day (in the last seven days), by race/ethnicity, 2021
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2021 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Regular physical activity increases physical health and psychological well-being. It helps build and maintain healthy bones and muscles, helps reduce the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colon cancer. Research has shown that it also reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and promotes psychological well-being. On the flip side, physical inactivity and poor diet can increase children’s risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, and arthritis. In 2021, 37 percent of Louisiana’s Hispanic high school students, 28 percent of Black high school students, and 21 percent of White high school students reported being physically inactive.
Obesity and overweight
Percent of Louisiana high school students who were obese or overweight, by race/ethnicity, 2021
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2021 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Note: Obesity is defined as students who were >= 95th percentile for body mass index. Overweight is defined as students who were >= 85th percentile but <95th percentile for body mass index.
Obesity in childhood has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being. Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems, such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. They are also more likely to be obese as adults, and subsequently, more at risk for adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. In 2021, 23 percent of Black high schoolers in Louisiana were obese, along with 16 percent of White high schoolers, and 15 percent of Hispanic high school students. An additional 19 percent of Black high school students, 18 percent of White high school students and 14 percent of Hispanic high school students in Louisiana were overweight in 2021.
Births to teen mothers
Births to teen mothers, per 1,000 females aged 15-19
Source: Louisiana Electronic Event Registration System, Bureau of Vital Records. Obtained from Louisiana Department of Health — State Health Report Card.
A number of negative outcomes are associated with teen childbearing. Teen parents are less likely to finish high school, more likely to be poor as adults, and are more likely to rely on public assistance. Children born to teen parents are less likely to finish high school, more likely to be poor as adults, and are more likely to have poorer educational and health outcomes. The U.S. teen birth rate has declined consistently since 2007. Similarly, teen births have been decreasing across Louisiana and in New Orleans. The rate of teen births fell from 24 per 1,000 females aged 15-19 to 20 in 2021. Each of those years, the teen birth rate in New Orleans was lower than the teen birth rate in Louisiana which was 24 in 2021.
Learning
School enrollment
Percent of students by school type for the population age 5-17 enrolled in school, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*Differences are statistically significant (95% C.L.) except for % public school enrolled.
Note: Children who are enrolled in home study programs are considered to be enrolled in school. State law requires school districts to provide alternative school programs or other educational services to students who are expelled, thus students who are expelled are considered to be enrolled in school, unless they have dropped out of school.
School enrollment data can help school leaders and families in their planning by simply illuminating where students are going to school. In New Orleans, a particularly large share of 5–17 year olds are enrolled in private schools. In 2022, fully 30 percent of New Orleans’ children enrolled in K–12 school were enrolled private schools or home schools.
Out-of-school suspensions
Percent of public school suspensions that are out-of-school suspensions
Source: Louisiana Department of Education, Discipline Data
Nationally, out-of-school suspension rates escalated dramatically from the 1970s to the early 2010s and since have begun to decrease. Research has shown that out-of-school suspensions do not improve overall safety and are associated with lower academic performance, higher rates of dropout, failures to graduate on time, and higher likelihood of interacting with the criminal legal system. In New Orleans, the percent of suspensions that are out-of-school suspensions has hovered around 78 percent from 2019 to 2023. Whereas across Louisiana, the average share of suspensions that are out-of-school suspensions were less than half.
Internet access
Percent of children under 18 with no computer or no internet subscription in home, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*Differences in percent without internet subscription are statistically significant (95% C.L.) between New Orleans and U.S., and between Louisiana and U.S. Note: “No internet subscription” means the household has no internet subscription (including no cellular data plan). “No computer” means the household has no computing device (including no smartphone).
Without internet access, a computer at home, and adequate technology training, students are at a disadvantage in the education system. Nationwide, a majority of 8th grade students report using the internet for homework assignments. An increasingly common way to access the internet is through a smartphone or some other cellular device. While, in general, smartphone access lessens the digital divide, having access only through a smartphone restricts students’ ability to complete common tasks such as registering for school, writing essays, completing homework assignments, creating resumes, and applying for jobs. According to the most recent data, 2 percent of New Orleans children don’t have a computer at home, but caution should be used with this data point as noted above.
Percent of third grade students proficient in reading
Percent of third grade students reading “Well Above Level” or “On Level” on end-of-year literacy screener, spring 2024
Source: Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) “2024 Spring K-3 Literacy Screener Results.”
Note: Students who score “Well Above Level” or “On Level” are considered proficient and on track to becoming fluent readers. 2023-24 is the first year of LDOE administering one universal literacy screener (“DIBELS”) to all students in K-3. “New Orleans” includes all schools in the Orleans Parish school system (R36). Type 2 charter elementary schools — International School of Louisiana, Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle-Orleans, and Noble Minds — are not included in data for New Orleans.
Third grade is a pivotal year for learning to read. After third grade, students need reading skills to learn other subjects. Thus, experts point out that children should learn to read by third grade, after which they “read to learn.” Reading at grade level by the end of third grade is the top predictor of high school graduation. Students not proficient in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. In New Orleans, only 51 percent of third graders were proficient readers as of spring 2024, and across Louisiana only 53 percent were proficient. This is the first year the Louisiana Department of Education is implementing a universal literacy screener for third-grade students. Starting in the 2024-25 school year, third graders who score at the “well below” level by the end of the year risk being retained. From the 2025-26 school year onward, the results from this literacy screener will be factored into school performance scores.
Cohort graduation rate
Public high school 4-year cohort graduation rates
Sources: Louisiana Department of Education for New Orleans and LA data. National Center for Education Statistics for U.S. data.
Note: Cohort graduation rate is the percentage of public school 9th graders who graduate within 4 years of starting 9th grade. “New Orleans” includes all schools in the Orleans Parish school system (R36). Type 2 charter high schools — New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, International High School of New Orleans, New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy, and New Harmony High Institute — are not included in data for New Orleans.
Earning a high school diploma is an important milestone that signifies a successful transition into adulthood. High school graduates generally enjoy better health, higher incomes, increased voter participation, and encounter fewer challenges as they move into adult life. High school graduation rates are also an important indicator of school performance for parents, policymakers, and concerned community members. The Louisiana Department of Education includes high school cohort graduation rates in the calculation of high school performance scores as a means to hold schools accountable for graduating their students on time. The cohort graduation rate in New Orleans has been on an upward trend, increasing from 72 percent in 2016 to 79 percent in 2022. Still, New Orleans graduation rates remain below Louisiana’s, which was 83 percent in 2022, and well below the national graduation rate which was 87 percent in 2022.
Lack of high school diploma
Percent of population 18-24 with less than high school diploma, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*Differences between New Orleans and U.S., and between Louisiana and U.S. are statistically significant (95% C.L.).
Adults without a high school diploma earn less and are more likely to be unemployed than those with a high school diploma. In addition, they have higher morbidity and mortality rates, and are at greater risk for disability and experience psychological stress at higher rates than their more educated peers, especially those with college degrees. According to the most recent data, an estimated 6 percent of young New Orleanians and 14 percent of young Louisianians ages 18 to 24 do not have a high school diploma, but caution should be used with this data point as noted above.
Completed bachelor’s degree or more
Percent of population 18-24 with a bachelor’s degree or more, 2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
*Difference between Louisiana and U.S. is statistically significant at 95% C.L.
The value of earning a college degree includes a variety of economic and personal benefits. Today’s college graduates earn higher wages and have lower unemployment rates. Further, Americans with a bachelor’s degree are experiencing decreasing mortality rates and longer life expectancy, while those without a bachelor’s degree have experienced declining life expectancy since 2010. In New Orleans, 12 percent of young people ages 18 to 24 have a bachelor’s degree. This is not statistically different than the national average.
Safety and Justice
Sense of safety
Percent of Louisiana high school students who did not go to school because they felt unsafe either at school or on their way to school (in the last 30 days), by race/ethnicity
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2019-2021 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
When students feel unsafe at school, it can impair cognitive ability and hinder the learning process. When high school students frequently miss school because they feel unsafe at or on their way to school or for any other reason, they are more likely to drop out of school altogether. And students who drop out of high school are more likely to experience other consequences, such as interactions with the criminal legal system, living in poverty, and poorer health later in life. In 2021, 22 percent of Black high school students reported not going to school because they felt unsafe either at school or on their way to school, up from 13 percent of Black students in 2019. Among Hispanic students, the share who felt unsafe fell from 18 percent in 2019 to 12 percent in 2021. And the share of White students was relatively low at 11 percent feeling unsafe in 2019, and 10 percent feeling unsafe in 2021.
Abuse and neglect
Children confirmed to have been victims of abuse or neglect, rate per 1,000 population, 2022
Source: Agenda for Children’s analysis of data from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
Studies have shown there are a variety of long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect. These long-term effects include chronic health conditions, disrupted brain development, cognitive delay, language difficulties, behavioral problems, juvenile delinquency, alcohol and other drug abuse, low self-esteem, depression, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. The rate of confirmed child abuse or neglect in New Orleans at 9 per 1,000 children was higher than the state average of 8 per 1,000 children.
Child and youth homicides
Number of children murdered, by age group, New Orleans
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department.
Note: Data for 2024 is through April. Victims for whom age was unknown were listed with “0” for age in the data. Out of 8,282 homicide victims dating back to 1985, 138 were listed as “0” for age indicating that age was missing. These entries have not been included in the above analysis.
For children aged 10 and under, abuse and neglect by parents or caregivers are often the precursors to homicide. On the other hand, for older children, aged 11 to 17, homicides are more commonly linked to illegal activities or disputes, often involving individuals known to the victims. In New Orleans, on average more than 16 children were murdered each year from 1985 to 2023. Among children aged 10 or younger an average of more than two were murdered each year during this time frame, and nearly 14 children aged 11 to 17 were murdered on average each year. The number of child murders was highest in the 1990s. From 1993 to 1996, thirty or more children were murdered each year. The number of children murdered fell substantially starting in 1997. Child murders have been rising in recent years, growing to 21 in 2022 and to 25 in 2023. But as of April of 2024, child murders in New Orleans have dramatically declined. Three children were murdered in the first four months of the year, according to the most recent official statistics.
Background
In 2015 and 2016, The Data Center produced The New Orleans Youth Index, guided by a literature-based framework developed by the Forum for Youth Investment. The indicators selected measure domains that have shown to be impactful on the life trajectory of children. Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the New Orleans child and youth stakeholder community has asked for updated indicators of child well-being to help inform strategies that address the latest challenges experienced by New Orleans’ children and youth. This dashboard represents an updated statistical snapshot of the well-being of New Orleans children and youth. The purpose is to inform strategies that can improve the academic, social, and behavioral outcomes of New Orleans children and youth. Based on the Forum for Youth Investment framework, The New Orleans Youth Index is organized in five distinct but overlapping areas: Economic Stability, Space and Place, Health and Well-being, Learning, and Safety and Justice. The Youth Dashboard also includes descriptive demographic data on New Orleans’ children.
Endnotes
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Brian Eschbacher, “Enrollment Landscape Analysis: 2021–2022 School Year,” New Schools for New Orleans, February 2022.
The Census Bureau’s annual population estimates by race are for the population 0-19 years. The child population 0-18 years is not available broken down by race.
Blair C, Raver CC. “Poverty, Stress, and Brain Development: New Directions for Prevention and Intervention.” Academic Pediatrics, (April 2016), //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5765853/
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“Vaccination Coverage among Young Children (0-35 Months)”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed October 29, 2024, https://data.cdc.gov/Child-Vaccinations/Vaccination-Coverage-among-Young-Children-0-35-Mon/fhky-rtsk/about_data.
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