Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Colorado
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Colorado
Food insecurity is a widespread problem in the United States, with people experiencing food insecurity in every single county in the nation. The nonprofit Feeding America describes food insecurity as "a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life."
Food insecurity hits children particularly hard. The USDA estimates that more than 5.5 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2021. Not having consistent access to enough food can affect cognitive abilities, overall health, moods, and attention spans—not to mention the psychological effects of living with scarcity.
Stacker compiled a list of counties in Colorado with the highest rate of food insecure children using data from Feeding America. Counties are ranked by highest percent of children with food insecurity as of 2020. Colorado has a child food insecurity rate of 11.2%, which ranks #9 lowest among all states.
States with the highest rate of food insecure children
#1. Louisiana: 21.5%
#2. New Mexico: 20.5%
#3. Mississippi: 20.4%
#4. Alabama: 19.8%
#5. Arkansas: 19.7%
States with the lowest rate of food insecure children
#1. North Dakota: 8.1%
#2. Massachusetts: 8.8%
#3. New Jersey: 9.0%
#4. Minnesota: 9.3%
#5. New Hampshire: 9.5%
Read on to see where food insecurity is most prevalent in Colorado.
#50. Yuma County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.3% (300 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (810 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $389,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (810 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $389,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#49. Garfield County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.5% (1,730 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (4,780 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,738,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (4,780 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,738,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
#48. Park County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.6% (330 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (1,410 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,020,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.49
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (1,410 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,020,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.49
#47. Grand County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.3% (330 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (1,500 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,099,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (1,500 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,099,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
#46. Washington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.3% (130 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (450 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $224,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (450 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $224,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#45. Pitkin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (370 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (1,820 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,226,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.18
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (1,820 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,226,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.18
#44. Teller County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (540 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (2,540 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,430,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (2,540 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,430,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
#43. Custer County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (90 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (430 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $226,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (430 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $226,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#42. Logan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (510 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (2,320 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,126,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (2,320 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,126,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#41. Rio Blanco County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (200 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (650 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $386,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.69
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (650 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $386,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.69
#40. La Plata County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.3% (1,390 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (5,460 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,505,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.99
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (5,460 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,505,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.99
#39. Weld County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.3% (10,970 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (28,190 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $15,816,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.48
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (28,190 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $15,816,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.48
#38. Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.4% (170 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (920 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $692,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.67
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (920 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $692,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.67
#37. Morgan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6% (1,010 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (2,560 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,272,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (2,560 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,272,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#36. Ouray County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.8% (100 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (490 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $287,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.64
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (490 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $287,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.64
#35. Baca County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.0% (100 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (460 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $207,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.80
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (460 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $207,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.80
#34. Hinsdale County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.3% (20 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (80 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $48,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.73
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (80 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $48,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.73
#33. Arapahoe County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.4% (21,970 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (58,220 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $33,667,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.59
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (58,220 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $33,667,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.59
#32. Lincoln County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.4% (160 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (610 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $351,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.57
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (610 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $351,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.57
#31. Summit County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.6% (750 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (2,970 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,207,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.62
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (2,970 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,207,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.62
#30. Chaffee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.7% (440 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (2,250 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,216,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (2,250 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,216,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
#29. Mineral County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.7% (20 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (100 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $64,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.99
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (100 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $64,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.99
#28. Eagle County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.8% (1,750 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (4,970 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,231,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.04
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (4,970 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,231,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.04
#27. Dolores County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.0% (40 total)
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (190 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $99,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (190 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $99,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#26. Archuleta County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (370 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,430 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $936,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.07
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,430 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $936,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.07
#25. El Paso County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (26,220 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (72,680 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $40,482,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.46
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (72,680 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $40,482,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.46
#24. San Miguel County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (210 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (990 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $566,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.55
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (990 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $566,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.55
#23. Adams County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.5% (20,940 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (47,260 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $25,549,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (47,260 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $25,549,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
#22. Montrose County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.6% (1,410 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (4,580 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,645,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.59
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (4,580 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,645,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.59
#21. Prowers County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.4% (500 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (1,420 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $621,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.72
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (1,420 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $621,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.72
#20. Jackson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.5% (30 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (120 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $90,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.64
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (120 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $90,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.64
#19. Moffat County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.7% (570 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (1,730 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,268,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (1,730 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,268,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
#18. Denver
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (23,310 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (79,290 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $48,499,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.80
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (79,290 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $48,499,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.80
#17. Mesa County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (5,610 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (18,470 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,882,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (18,470 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,882,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
#16. Montezuma County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.2% (980 total)
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (3,250 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (3,250 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#15. Sedgwick County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.6% (110 total)
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (290 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $144,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (290 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $144,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#14. Rio Grande County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.2% (470 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (1,420 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $762,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (1,420 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $762,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
#13. Fremont County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4% (1,390 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (5,870 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,088,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (5,870 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,088,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#12. Alamosa County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.9% (740 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.7% (2,050 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,348,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.08
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.7% (2,050 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,348,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.08
#11. Saguache County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.4% (280 total)
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.9% (800 total)
--- 0.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $421,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.9% (800 total)
--- 0.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $421,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#10. Conejos County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.0% (420 total)
--- 3.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (1,000 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.97
--- 3.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (1,000 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.97
#9. Delta County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (1,210 total)
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (4,320 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,306,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (4,320 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,306,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
#8. Crowley County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.7% (170 total)
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (950 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $480,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.14
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (950 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $480,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.14
#7. Otero County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.9% (910 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (2,670 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,323,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (2,670 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,323,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#6. Bent County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.2% (180 total)
--- 5.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.3% (810 total)
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $405,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
--- 5.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.3% (810 total)
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $405,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
#5. Pueblo County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.9% (8,220 total)
--- 5.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.6% (22,720 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,259,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 5.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.6% (22,720 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,259,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#4. Las Animas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.0% (580 total)
--- 5.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.8% (1,980 total)
--- 2.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $996,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 5.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.8% (1,980 total)
--- 2.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $996,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#3. San Juan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.7% (30 total)
--- 6.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (80 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $54,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.16
--- 6.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (80 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $54,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.16
#2. Huerfano County
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.3% (280 total)
--- 10.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.4% (980 total)
--- 2.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $500,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
--- 10.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.4% (980 total)
--- 2.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $500,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
#1. Costilla County
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.4% (170 total)
--- 10.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (630 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $406,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 10.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (630 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $406,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
