The data illustrate a consistent and striking pattern of incremental improvements in health with increasing levels of family income and educational attainment: As family income and levels of education rise, health improves. In almost every state, shortfalls in health are greatest among children in the poorest or least- educated households, but even middle-class children are less healthy than children with greater advantages. The differences in health between children growing up in the most-advantaged social and economic conditions and all others contribute to unrealized health potential in every state. And there is room for improvement even in the most-advantaged groups, as indicated.
