An annual report on the well-being of children in North Carolina shows mixed results.
The data fromthe Annie E. Casey Foundation indicates the state ranks 33rd in the country in economic, social and health indicators for children.
North Carolina's overall child poverty rate is down, but more children are living in concentrated areas of high poverty.
Laila Bell is the director of research and data with the group NC Child. She said more than 300,000 children are growing up in those communities, which has long-term effects on their well-being.
"It affects children's health outcomes," she said. "It affects children's opportunities to have those high quality early-learning experiences. We know it affects children's likelihood or makes it far more difficult for children to graduate from high school."
The report notes that North Carolina made one of its best strides in signing up children for health insurance. The rate of children without insurance is down to 4 percent.