CONCORD – For the fourth year in a row, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count survey has named New Hampshire the best state to raise a child.

"I am proud that New Hampshire has once again been recognized as the best state in the nation to raise a child." Governor Lynch said.

"This ranking matters because it means more New Hampshire children are healthy and receiving the good start they need to succeed than anywhere else in the nation," Governor Lynch said. "It also matters because it helps attract new residents and new businesses to invest here in New Hampshire - which will our families succeed well into the future."

"To stay number one, we must keep working to help parents earn better jobs; keep investing in children's health care; and continue to ensure more of our young people stay in school," Governor Lynch said.

New Hampshire ranked first in four out of the 10 indicators used by Kids Count (no other state ranked first in more than one) and was in the top 10 in all categories.

New Hampshire had the lowest number of children living in poverty; lowest teen birth rate; lowest percentage of teens not in school and not high school graduates; and lowest percent of teens not attending schools and not working.

The report is available on the Foundation's web site. http://www.aecf.org/