The national average of public school students eligible for free lunch is approximately 50% (2025-26).
The state with highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is Virgin Islands with 99%. The state with lowest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is New Hampshire with 20%.
Free Lunch Range: 20%
99%
Avg. Free Lunch: 50%
Average Percent of Public School Students Eligible For Free Lunch (2025-26)
State
Percent of Students Eligible For Free Lunch
Schools With Largest Percent of Students Eligible for Free Lunch
Rank: #11.
99%
Rank: #22.
85%
Rank: #33.
80%
Rank: #44.
74%
Rank: #5-65-6.
68%
Rank: #5-65-6.
68%
Rank: #77.
67%
Rank: #88.
60%
Rank: #99.
59%
Rank: #10-1110-11.
57%
Rank: #10-1110-11.
57%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #1515.
55%
Rank: #16-1716-17.
54%
Rank: #16-1716-17.
54%
Rank: #1818.
51%
Rank: #19-2019-20.
50%
Rank: #19-2019-20.
50%
Rank: #21-2221-22.
49%
Rank: #21-2221-22.
49%
Rank: #2323.
48%
Rank: #2424.
47%
Rank: #2525.
45%
Rank: #2626.
44%
Rank: #27-2827-28.
43%
Rank: #27-2827-28.
43%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #3333.
40%
Rank: #34-3534-35.
39%
Rank: #34-3534-35.
39%
Rank: #36-3736-37.
38%
Rank: #36-3736-37.
38%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #42-4342-43.
36%
Rank: #42-4342-43.
36%
Rank: #4444.
35%
Rank: #45-4645-46.
33%
Rank: #45-4645-46.
33%
Rank: #4747.
32%
Rank: #4848.
31%
Rank: #4949.
28%
Rank: #50-5150-51.
26%
Rank: #50-5150-51.
26%
Rank: #5252.
24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national average of public school students eligible for free lunch?
The national average of public school students eligible for free lunch is 50% for 2025-26.
What are schools with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch in the United States?
The schools with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch in the United States include Palolo Elementary School, Abelardo Diaz Alfaro and Winooski High School.
What is the state with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch?
The state with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is Virgin Islands.
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.