Special Report

Most and Least Literate States

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26. Idaho
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 10.5% (25th lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 27.6% (15th lowest)
> Public libraries: 8.7 per 100,000 (13th highest)
> Registered library users: 53.4% of pop. (25th lowest)

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27. North Dakota
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 6.3% (3rd lowest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.6% (24th lowest)
> Public libraries: 11.1 per 100,000 (11th highest)
> Registered library users: 35.9% of pop. (the lowest)

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28. Kentucky
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 12.2% (22nd highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.4% (5th lowest)
> Public libraries: 4.6 per 100,000 (15th lowest)
> Registered library users: 59.3% of pop. (9th highest)

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

29. North Carolina
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 13.6% (15th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.4% (24th highest)
> Public libraries: 3.8 per 100,000 (9th lowest)
> Registered library users: 54.2% of pop. (22nd highest)

Source: Thinkstock

30. Hawaii
> Adults lacking basic prose literacy skills: 15.9% (11th highest)
> Pct. adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.9% (18th highest)
> Public libraries: 3.5 per 100,000 (8th lowest)
> Registered library users: 69.9% of pop. (3rd highest)

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