Posted on August 12, 2026
Paterson Kids Count 2026 report reveals progress on income and reading scores alongside rising health, housing, and attendance concerns.
Paterson's children are growing up in a city moving in two directions at once: median family income and third-grade reading scores are climbing faster than the county and state rates, even as 9% of children are without health insurance and one in three students misses too much school and is considered chronically absent. Read the full media release.
This comprehensive report provides the latest data on the well-being of Paterson's children and families, offering valuable insights to inform policy, programs, and community action.
- Data highlights by Alena Siddiqui, ACNJ Data Analyst
- Slide presentation by Alyssa Oravec, Policy Council at New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children
- View photos from the release event.
- Paterson Kids Count 2026 in the news.
Join us for community conversations.
Community conversations are an opportunity to engage in a deeper discussion with colleagues and partners committed to improving outcomes for Paterson's children and families.
If you would like to host a community conversation and help make change for the City of Paterson, contact Alena Siddiqui at asiddiqui@acnj.org.
Help Improve the Well-Being of Paterson's Children
- Make Change - Sign up to host or attend a local community conversation and help turn the data into action. Contact Alena Siddiqui at asiddiqui@acnj.org.
- Share - Request copies of the report for your organization or networks.
Together, we can use the data to understand where Paterson's Children and families are thriving, where challenges remain, and what we can do to help every child thrive.
Published by Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ), Paterson Kids Count tracks critical measures of child well-being (demographics, economic stability, child health, child protection, education, and teens). The report serves as an important tool for local leaders, policymakers, and parents to bring change to the community using data.
