Ohio among top 20 states for at-risk youth, report says

OHIO — A new report from the personal financial website WalletHub shows Ohio is among the states with the most at-risk youth. 

The ranking was based on employment and education, as well as overall health. These categories included youth poverty rates, rates of teen pregnancy, homeless youth, young people who are overweight, those without a high school diploma and much more. 

Ohio ranked 15th out of the 50 states and District of Columbia.

“A high share of youth who are not working, not getting education and generally stagnating in life can spell trouble for the future,” wrote Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, in the report. “States that are most impacted by this problem, as well as related issues like high youth poverty rates, widespread drug use and low test scores, need a wake-up call to invest more into improving conditions for young residents. Otherwise, the future economic and social progress of the state is in danger.”

Additionally, Ohio was also ranked third for having the highest percentage of overweight and obese youth. 

The top 10 states with the most at-risk youth are as follows:

1. Louisiana
2. New Mexico
3. West Virginia
4. Alaska
5. Arkansas
6. Oklahoma
7. Mississippi
8. Montana
9. Wyoming
10. Oregon

View the full report here.