U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2024
Causes of Low Adult Literacy in the US The burden of poverty significantly limits educational opportunities, hindering access to books, resources, and enrichment activities. This perpetuates low literacy rates within families and communities.
State with Highest Literacy Rate New Hampshire boasts the highest literacy rate in the US, at 88.5%. This means nearly 90% of individuals over 25 can read and write at least at a basic level.
State with the Lowest Literacy Rate California has the lowest literacy rate, with 23.1% of adults lacking basic prose literacy skills, resulting in a literacy rate of 76.9%.
America’s Global Literacy Ranking The US ranks 51st in global literacy, tied with Germany and falling behind the UK, Japan, and Korea. Despite a 99% literacy rate, the education rate stands at 90.7%, contrasting with countries like Estonia and Lithuania, which have lower education rates but higher literacy rates.
U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2024
In 2022, the literacy rate among U.S. adults stands at 79%, indicating a significant majority with reading proficiency. Conversely, 21% of adults across the nation lack basic literacy skills. Furthermore, a substantial portion, 54%, exhibit a literacy level below that of a sixth grader. This data underscores the ongoing need for literacy initiatives and educational support within the adult population of the United States.
U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2024
Top 10 States with the Highest Population with Low Literacy:
- New Mexico: 29.1%
- California: 28.4%
- Texas: 28.2%
- Mississippi: 28%
- Louisiana: 27.1%
- New York: 24.4%
- Alabama: 23.9%
- Florida: 23.7%
- Georgia: 23.6%
- Arizona: 23.4%
Top 10 States with the Lowest Population with Low Literacy:
- New Hampshire: 11.5%
- Alaska: 12.7%
- Vermont: 12.8%
- Minnesota: 13.1%
- Montana: 13.1%
- Maine: 13.4%
- North Dakota: 13.4%
- Wyoming: 13.6%
- Utah: 14.5%
- Iowa: 14.9%
U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2024
| State | Population with Low Literacy | 3rd & 4th Graders Below Basic Reading Level |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 11.5% | 33% |
| Alaska | 12.7% | 49% |
| Vermont | 12.8% | 38% |
| Minnesota | 13.1% | 39% |
| Montana | 13.1% | 35% |
| Maine | 13.4% | 40% |
| North Dakota | 13.4% | 35% |
| Wyoming | 13.6% | 29% |
| Utah | 14.5% | 33% |
| Iowa | 14.9% | 36% |
| South Dakota | 14.9% | 35% |
| Nevada | 15.3% | 43% |
| Wisconsin | 15.3% | 37% |
| Hawaii | 15.9% | 36% |
| Washington | 16.1% | 39% |
| Idaho | 16.4% | 39% |
| Nebraska | 16.4% | 35% |
| Colorado | 16.6% | 32% |
| Oregon | 16.8% | 44% |
| Kansas | 16.9% | 40% |
| Connecticut | 17.2% | 36% |
| Massachusetts | 17.3% | 30% |
| Michigan | 17.6% | 42% |
| Ohio | 17.7% | 35% |
| Pennsylvania | 18.1% | 36% |
| Indiana | 18.7% | 37% |
| Virginia | 18.8% | 40% |
| Missouri | 18.9% | 40% |
| Maryland | 20% | 44% |
| Oklahoma | 20.1% | 45% |
| Delaware | 20.3% | 47% |
| Illinois | 20.4% | 38% |
| Rhode Island | 20.4% | 38% |
| New Jersey | 20.7% | 33% |
| West Virginia | 20.9% | 48% |
| North Carolina | 21.3% | 39% |
| Tennessee | 21.7% | 41% |
| Kentucky | 21.9% | 38% |
| South Carolina | 22.4% | 39% |
| Arkansas | 23.1% | 42% |
| Arizona | 23.4% | 39% |
| Georgia | 23.6% | 39% |
| Florida | 23.7% | 29% |
| Alabama | 23.9% | 41% |
| New York | 24.4% | 42% |
| Louisiana | 27.1% | 43% |
| Mississippi | 28% | 37% |
| Texas | 28.2% | 42% |
| California | 28.4% | 42% |
| New Mexico | 29.1% | 52% |
Average height by state in 2024 https://usadatahub.com/average-height-by-state-in-2024/
Homeless Population by State 2024 https://usadatahub.com/homeless-population-by-state-2024/
U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Literacy in America
Is literacy declining in America?
- Children and adults are facing literacy challenges, with approximately 40% of students unable to read at a basic level, according to the National Literacy Institute. Nearly 70% of low-income children in the U.S. struggle with basic reading.
What is America’s literacy rate in 2023?
- The current U.S. literacy rate is 79%. New Hampshire boasts the highest literacy rate at 94.2%, while California has the lowest at 76.9%. Additionally, 68% of U.S. 4th graders read below the optimal proficiency level.
How can we improve literacy in America?
- According to the National Commission on Reading, a significant factor in early educational success is introducing children to books and reading to them at home before they start school.
What is the biggest problem in American education?
- One major issue in the American education system is the use of outdated teaching methods. For instance, some programs still advocate for learning styles theory despite over 40 years of research suggesting its ineffectiveness.
Source:
Adult Literacy State Cards 2019 – Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
National Reading Proficiency Map 2022 – Reading is Fundamental