The latest data show that in 2009, only 31 percent of the U.S. population ages 25 to 34 had a bachelor's degree or higher. Eight percent had an associate's degree and 61 percent had a high school diploma/GED or less. Educational attainment levels are connected to an individual's earning potential. According to the Census Bureau, a college master's degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma. This reality has grave consequences for the economic well-being of individuals, families, and the nation as a whole. Across the states, levels of educational attainment vary: Massachusetts has the highest percent of residents with bachelor's degrees at 32 percent; Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia have the lowest percent of residents with bachelor's degrees at 15 percent. See the Education section in Data Across States for updates.

In 2008, 17.9 percent or approximately 12 million parents had no health insurance. A Kaiser Family Foundation parental survey found that being uninsured affects not just parents' health, but also the well-being of the entire family. One sickness or accident can compromise the financial stability of the whole family. Massachusetts had the lowest rate of uninsured parents at 3.7 percent, while Texas had the highest rate at 32.5 percent. See the Health section in Data Across States for updates.