College enrollment has declined steadily in the United States in recent years. With rising tuition costs and surging student debt, enrollment has fallen at an average of nearly 2% a year since 2010. While four years of higher education may not be for everyone, Americans without a bachelor’s degree tend to be far more limited in their career opportunities, job security, and earning potential.
Nationwide, an estimated 33.1% of American adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher. But across the United States, there are major metropolitan areas where fewer than 20% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Using education data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 24/7 Wall St. identified the least educated metro areas in the United States.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the overall U.S. jobless rate was 8.1% in 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.5% among adults with a four-year college education , and 9.0% among those with no more than a high school diploma. In most of the metro areas on this list, the 2019 overall unemployment rate among 25 to 64 year olds was higher than the national rate of 3.7% that year.
In addition to being better protected from unemployment, Americans with a bachelor’s degree also tend to have higher salaries. The average weekly wage for a college-educated worker in the United States is about 67% higher than it is for those with no more than a high school diploma. And in places with low educational attainment, incomes similarly tend to be lower than average. In all but two metro areas on this list, the typical household earns less in a year than the national median household income of $65,712.
Click here to see the least educated metros in the nation.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
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50. Parkersburg-Vienna, WV
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 20.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,258 — 15th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $40,169 — 19th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.3% — 253rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 142nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
49. Stockton, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 20.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,462 — 232nd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $57,071 — 318th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.7% — 48th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.3% — 46th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: 25or6to4 / Wikimedia Commons
48. St. Joseph, MO-KS
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 20.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,327 — 119th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,343 — 76th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.0% — 322nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 142nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: peeterv / E+ via Getty Images
47. Twin Falls, ID
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 20.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,021 — 152nd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,919 — 91st lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.9% — 267th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5% — 109th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Publichall / Wikimedia Commons
46. Elkhart-Goshen, IN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,691 — 94th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,571 — 197th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 330th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% — 222nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
45. Longview, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $38,048 — 179th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,046 — 177th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.7% — 199th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% — 164th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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44. Albany, GA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,880 — 30th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,883 — 71st lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.8% — 3rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 302nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: TonyLMoorePhoto / Getty Images
43. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $33,608 — 50th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $41,960 — 38th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.3% — 188th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 302nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nelsonminar/
42. Yuba City, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,028 — 153rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,207 — 223rd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.2% — 34th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 142nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Nicola Patterson / iStock via Getty Images
41. Kankakee, IL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,840 — 246th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $55,405 — 294th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.7% — 237th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.7% — 30th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
40. Lima, OH
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,012 — 150th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $43,810 — 55th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.2% — 199th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.0% reported — 376th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Rivers Langley; SaveRivers / Wikimedia Commons
39. Anniston-Oxford, AL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,441 — 82nd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,331 — 75th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.6% — 21st highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.3% — 286th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
38. Morristown, TN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,855 — 27th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,569 — 66th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.3% — 63rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 302nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: John M. Chase / Getty Images
37. Cumberland, MD-WV
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,482 — 84th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,197 — 182nd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.3% — 67th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 234th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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36. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 19.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $26,683 — 2nd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,751 — 48th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.9% — 38th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.8% — 81st highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Flutter_97321 / Getty Images
35. Albany-Lebanon, OR
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,617 — 130th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $35,547 — 5th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.6% — 291st highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.4% — 362nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons
34. Mansfield, OH
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $33,847 — 56th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,536 — 79th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 302nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.3% — 286th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: peeterv / Getty Images
33. El Centro, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,476 — 39th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,681 — 67th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 10.0% — 2nd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.6% — 17th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
32. Victoria, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,861 — 176th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,343 — 225th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.9% — 212th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.3% — 22nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
31. Kokomo, IN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $34,116 — 57th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,636 — 85th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.0% — 67th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.8% — 81st highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: oddharmonic / Flickr
30. Goldsboro, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,944 — 31st lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $37,840 — 11th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.3% — 199th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.8% — 338th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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29. Michigan City-La Porte, IN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 18.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,000 — 105th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $55,389 — 292nd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.5% — 322nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5% — 109th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: hkim39 / Getty Images
28. Beckley, WV
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,168 — 33rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $38,132 — 13th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.7% — 8th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 5.3% — 11th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons
27. Hinesville, GA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $33,536 — 47th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $32,148 — 3rd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.5% — 199th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.3% — 368th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: David Crockett Photo / Getty Images
26. Hanford-Corcoran, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,783 — 138th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,251 — 339th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 7.0% — 24th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 5.6% — 10th highest of 384 metros
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
25. Texarkana, TX-AR
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,470 — 124th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,481 — 44th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.2% — 122nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.8% — 207th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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24. Alexandria, LA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,560 — 89th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,899 — 210th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 253rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 142nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Courtesy of Weirton, West Virginia - City Government via Facebook
23. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,651 — 134th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,128 — 41st lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.7% — 31st highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.0% — 65th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: roadgeek / Flickr
22. Rocky Mount, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,401 — 80th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,318 — 128th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 8.1% — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 6.1% — 8th highest of 384 metros
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Source: Don Ramey Logan
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21. Modesto, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,814 — 243rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,802 — 366th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.7% — 24th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.7% — 89th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
20. Gadsden, AL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $30,599 — 10th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $38,125 — 12th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.2% — 44th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.0% — 25th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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19. Yakima, WA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,466 — 38th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,042 — 304th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.7% — 38th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.5% — 357th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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18. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $26,953 — 3rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,324 — 103rd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.5% — 188th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.0% — 323rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: LPETTET / Getty Images
17. Bakersfield, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 17.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,265 — 72nd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $61,372 — 356th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.8% — 19th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 234th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dberry/
16. Grants Pass, OR
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $30,097 — 8th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $38,506 — 14th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.1% — 6th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.0% reported — 376th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Warren-Pender / Getty Images
15. Sebring-Avon Park, FL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $30,464 — 9th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,086 — 40th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.4% — 106th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 142nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Paul Sableman / Wikimedia Commons
14. Pine Bluff, AR
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,723 — 25th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $35,853 — 6th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.6% — 87th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.3% — 368th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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13. Houma-Thibodaux, LA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,484 — 126th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,731 — 68th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.5% — 63rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.4% — 269th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Cindy Funk / Wikimedia Commons
12. Springfield, OH
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $34,627 — 63rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,948 — 211th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.2% — 58th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.4% — 362nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: shakzu / Getty Images
11. Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 16.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,949 — 43rd lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,278 — 340th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 5.7% — 21st highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 8.0% — 2nd highest of 384 metros
Source: svetlana57 / Getty Images
10. Longview, WA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 15.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $39,160 — 201st lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,309 — 188th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.6% — 199th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 234th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
9. Odessa, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 15.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $45,199 — 328th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,286 — 257th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.5% — 360th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% — 192nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images
8. Dalton, GA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 15.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,228 — 35th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,099 — 181st lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.3% — 122nd highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.8% — 207th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: diegograndi / Getty Images
7. Merced, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 14.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $33,675 — 51st lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,344 — 130th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 8.3% — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.1% — 54th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: AllenS / Wikimedia Commons
6. Farmington, NM
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 14.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,355 — 19th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $41,620 — 29th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.1% — 34th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.0% — 323rd highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: ianmcdonnell / Getty Images
5. Yuma, AZ
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 14.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $30,075 — 7th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $41,924 — 36th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 13.2% — 1st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 7.3% — 4th highest of 384 metros
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Source: Jcarrello / Wikimedia Commons
4. Madera, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 14.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $29,746 — 6th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $48,202 — 143rd lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.7% — 12th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 5.1% — 13th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Bobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia Commons
3. Visalia, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 13.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,217 — 34th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,196 — 338th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 6.9% — 8th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% — 181st highest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: jmoor17 / Getty Images
2. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 13.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $31,097 — 13th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,912 — 138th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.3% — 114th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% — 257th highest of 384 metros (tied)
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Source: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons
1. Danville, IL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 12.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $34,119 — 58th lowest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $54,870 — 284th lowest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 7.9% — 13th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 234th highest of 384 metros (tied)
Methodology
To determine America’s least educated metros, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed one-year estimates of the percentage of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree in metropolitan areas from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
We used the 384 metropolitan statistical areas as delineated by the United States Office of Management and Budget and used by the Census Bureau as our definition of metros.
All 384 metros were ranked by their bachelor’s degree or higher attainment rate. Since many metros cross state lines, the metro was assigned to the state of its first-listed principal city.
Additional information on the median earnings for adults 25 and over with earnings that hold a bachelor’s degree, median earnings for adults 25 and over with earnings for all levels of educational attainment, unemployment rates for the 25-64 year old population that have at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment rates for the 25-64 year old population for all educational attainment levels are also one-year estimates from the 2019 ACS.
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