WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- More than 10 percent of U.S. children are living in high-poverty neighborhoods, a survey by Kids Count says.

The organization said the data it has pulled from the U.S. Census's American Community Survey shows the percentage of children living in neighborhoods where at least 30 percent of the families are below the poverty line has grown from 9 percent to 11 percent in 10 years. The percentage has increased in almost all states recently.


"Kids in these high-poverty areas are at risk for health and developmental challenges in almost every aspect of their lives, from education to their chances for economic success as adults," said Laura Speer, associate director for policy reform and data at the Casey Foundation, which sponsors Kids Count. "Transforming disadvantaged communities into better places to raise children is vital to ensuring the next generation and their families realize their potential."

In Mississippi, 23 percent of children live in high-poverty neighborhoods, the highest rate in the country. Detroit has the highest rate among the 50 largest cities, 67 percent, while Cleveland is second with 57 percent.