Demographic Breakdown (Age, Gender, Race, Socioeconomic)
Age Breakdown
74% of endangered runaways assisted by NCMEC in 2023 were 15 to 17 years old. Pre-teens and younger teens (under 15) make up a smaller proportion of missing cases. Younger children (toddlers to pre-teens) are more likely to be missing due to abductions, custody disputes, or accidents rather than running away. The median age of missing children is in the mid-teen years.
Graph 1: Gender Breakdown
This donut chart displays the gender breakdown of missing juvenile entries.
- 55% of missing juvenile entries in 2022 were female.
- 45% were male.
- The overall gender split for missing persons is approximately 50/50.
- 72% of global sex trafficking victims are women and girls, making missing girls particularly vulnerable.
- Gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ youth, though less tracked, are also at higher risk.
"The donut chart illustrates the disproportionality in gender representation among missing juveniles."
Graph 2: Race and Ethnicity Breakdown
This bar chart summarizes the race and ethnicity breakdown among missing persons, now including more categories for a comprehensive view.
- 40% of missing persons in the U.S. are persons of color.
- African-Americans are overrepresented, making up 40% of all missing persons cases.
- Hispanic/Latino children are often underreported as they are sometimes included in the "White" category.
- Native American children also face high rates of disappearance, though data tracking is inconsistent.
- White children (including some Hispanic/Latino cases) account for the remaining percentage.
"This bar chart highlights the expanded racial and ethnic breakdown in missing persons cases."
Graph 3: Socioeconomic Factors
This line chart depicts a trend in missing cases from foster care or social service placements.
- 22,442 children in 2023 went missing from foster care or social service placements.
- Foster youth face heightened risks including homelessness, trafficking, and gang involvement.
- 4.2 million youth experience homelessness annually in the U.S., increasing their vulnerability.
- Parental substance abuse, domestic instability, and poverty further elevate the risk of children going missing.
- Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are also at risk of disappearing.
- Traffickers and predators target vulnerable children facing economic hardships.
"The line chart reflects the trend in missing cases linked to socioeconomic vulnerabilities."
Key Takeaways
- Older teens (15–17) represent the majority of endangered runaways.
- Female juveniles are slightly overrepresented, though overall gender distribution is near equal.
- Racial disparities are evident, with African-Americans notably overrepresented; Hispanic/Latino and Native American data highlight further diversity in missing cases.
- Socioeconomic vulnerabilities, including foster care instability and homelessness, significantly contribute to a child’s risk of going missing.