Special Report
Most and Least Literate States
September 7, 2018 5:32 pm
Last Updated: January 11, 2020 6:15 pm
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
1. Vermont
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 6.6% (4th lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 36.4% (8th highest)
> Public libraries: 29.8 per 100,000 (the highest)
> Registered library users: 54.2% of pop. (23rd highest)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
2. New Hampshire
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 5.8% (the lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 36.6% (7th highest)
> Public libraries: 17.5 per 100,000 (4th highest)
> Registered library users: 60.8% of pop. (7th highest)
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
3. Massachusetts
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 9.9% (22nd lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 42.7% (the highest)
> Public libraries: 6.8 per 100,000 (18th highest)
> Registered library users: 48.7% of pop. (15th lowest)
Source: Scruggelgreen / Getty Images
4. Minnesota
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 6.0% (2nd lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.8% (11th highest)
> Public libraries: 6.4 per 100,000 (22nd highest)
> Registered library users: 69.9% of pop. (2nd highest)
Source: f11photo / Getty Images
5. Colorado
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 9.9% (23rd lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 39.9% (2nd highest)
> Public libraries: 4.7 per 100,000 (16th lowest)
> Registered library users: 65.3% of pop. (5th highest)
Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor
Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Editors' Picks
