Special Report

Most and Least Literate States

Source: ferrantraite / Getty Images

46. New Mexico
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 16.5% (7th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 27.2% (12th lowest)
> Public libraries: 6.0 per 100,000 (24th lowest)
> Registered library users: 52.8% of pop. (22nd lowest)

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47. Texas
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 19.0% (4th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 28.9% (22nd lowest)
> Public libraries: 3.2 per 100,000 (4th lowest)
> Registered library users: 49.2% of pop. (16th lowest)

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

48. Mississippi
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 16.0% (9th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.8% (2nd lowest)
> Public libraries: 7.9 per 100,000 (15th highest)
> Registered library users: 58.5% of pop. (11th highest)

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

49. Louisiana
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 16.0% (10th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.4% (4th lowest)
> Public libraries: 7.2 per 100,000 (17th highest)
> Registered library users: 53.0% of pop. (23rd lowest)

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

50. Nevada
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 16.1% (8th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.5% (6th lowest)
> Public libraries: 2.9 per 100,000 (3rd lowest)
> Registered library users: 44.6% of pop. (9th lowest)

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