Special Report

Most and Least Literate States

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

41. Alabama
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 14.8% (12th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.7% (7th lowest)
> Public libraries: 6.1 per 100,000 (25th lowest)
> Registered library users: 56.5% of pop. (16th highest)

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42. Florida
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 19.7% (3rd highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 28.6% (19th lowest)
> Public libraries: 2.6 per 100,000 (the lowest)
> Registered library users: 53.3% of pop. (24th lowest)

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43. West Virginia
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 13.4% (16th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.8% (the lowest)
> Public libraries: 9.4 per 100,000 (12th highest)
> Registered library users: 50.9% of pop. (20th lowest)

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44. California
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 23.1% (the highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 32.9% (14th highest)
> Public libraries: 2.9 per 100,000 (2nd lowest)
> Registered library users: 57.4% of pop. (15th highest)

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

45. Georgia
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 16.7% (6th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.5% (23rd highest)
> Public libraries: 3.9 per 100,000 (11th lowest)
> Registered library users: 38.3% of pop. (2nd lowest)

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