Nine southern West Virginia counties in the "Billion Dollar Coal Field" ranked the worst, in addition to Clay, Mason and Randolph.

West Virginia ranks 43rd with the 12 indicators among the 50 states.

Calhoun's overall ranking is 34.

In the rankings, one is the best and 55 is the worst.

REGIONAL RANKINGS AMONG WV'S COUNTIES/12 INDICATORS:

13. Wirt

18. Gilmer

27. Roane

31. Ritchie

34. Calhoun

43. Braxton

50. Clay

The latest ranking for children living in poverty, 2008 the latest available statistic, with the poverty rate obviously higher since the onset of the recession:

Clay 35.4%

Calhoun 32.8%

Roane 31.3%

Braxton 30.2%

Wirt 30.9%

Gilmer 29.1%

Ritchie 24.6%

Percent of children eligible for free/reduced lunch in 2008, with the current rate likely higher since the onset of the recession:

Clay 75.5%

Calhoun 72.7%

Roane 65.7%

Gilmer 63.9%

Braxton 62.5%

Wirt 60.9%

Ritchie 59.7%

For county statistical information, check

See related story CALHOUN HAS IMPROVED CHILD-WELFARE STATISTICS - 70% Calhoun Students Eligible Free-Reduced Lunch, 33% Living In Poverty

See also KIDSCOUNT