The data in this section provides a basic and descriptive overview of the population of children and youth in Ohio in 2004 and 2008. Basic demographic information includes, age, gender, and race. Household information also describes the children and youth living in Ohio with family income and family education level.

In 2008, there were more youth ages 12 to 17 years old, compared to 2004, and concomitantly, fewer children age 5 and under in 2008 than in 2004. Over the same time period, there were more Hispanic children and children of other races. In 2008, there were more children living in households with incomes less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) than in 2004. This increase is accompanied by an increase in children living in households where the highest level of education is greater than high school.