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 32.1% of American adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher. But across the United States, there are ZIP codes where fewer than 5% 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 ZIP codes in the United States.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among adults with a four-year college education was 5.5% 2020. Meanwhile, the jobless rate among those with no more than a high school diploma was 9.0%. In most of the ZIP codes on this list, the average five-year overall unemployment rate among 25 to 64 year olds is higher than the comparable national rate of 4.4%.
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 also tend to be lower than average. In nearly every ZIP code on this list, the typical household earns less in a year than the national median household income of $62,843.
Click here to see the least educated cities in the country
Click here to read our detailed methodology
50. 74829
> Location: Boley, Oklahoma
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 67.7% — 474th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $27,969 — 341st lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.6% — 7,042nd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 1,510
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Source: JacobH / Getty Images
49. 85031
> Location: Phoenix, Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 54.7% — 80th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $40,584 — 2,655th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 6.3% — 5,433rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 33,886
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48. 71327
> Location: Cottonport, Louisiana
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 62.7% — 256th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $48,047 — 5,410th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 4.2% — 11,374th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 5,891
47. 08314
> Location: Delmont, New Jersey
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 76.1% — 1,500th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $78,796 — 15,564th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 11.7% — 843rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,908
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46. 37779
> Location: Luttrell, Tennessee
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 75.3% — 1,331st lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $42,798 — 3,372nd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.2% — 8,151st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,291
Source: Arpad Benedek / Getty Images
45. 76105
> Location: Fort Worth, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 54.0% — 76th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $32,296 — 793rd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.5% — 7,326th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 22,179
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44. 87326
> Location: Gallup, New Mexico
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 73.0% — 944th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $22,137 — 76th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 19.3% — 75th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 1,690
Source: AndreyKrav / iStock via Getty Images
43. 37755
> Location: Helenwood, Tennessee
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 85.5% — 5,655th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $34,063 — 1,038th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 11.0% — 1,041st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,188
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
42. 38963
> Location: Tutwiler, Mississippi
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 51.2% — 52nd lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $41,250 — 2,877th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 15.4% — 271st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,910
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41. 99173
> Location: Springdale, Washington
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 86.6% — 6,497th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $34,889 — 1,194th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 9.3% — 1,843rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 1,673
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
40. 78237
> Location: San Antonio, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 57.5% — 122nd lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $31,399 — 679th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.5% — 7,326th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 39,105
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Source: benkrut / Getty Images
39. 61605
> Location: Peoria, Illinois
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 75.5% — 1,374th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $21,276 — 64th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 23.8% — 32nd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes
> Population: 15,195
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Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
38. 31068
> Location: Oglethorpe, Georgia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.1%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 68.0% — 497th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $30,931 — 614th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 9.6% — 1,673rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 5,329
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
37. 79901
> Location: El Paso, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.1%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 42.6% — 13th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $13,574 — 1st lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 12.5% — 675th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 9,590
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36. 75861
> Location: Tennessee Colony, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.0%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 71.7% — 805th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $60,000 — 10,532nd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 1.7% — 18,799th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 9,126
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
35. 77039
> Location: Aldine, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.0%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 50.0% — 39th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $36,769 — 1,595th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 2.4% — 17,475th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 28,877
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34. 89030
> Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 4.0%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 56.6% — 108th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $36,275 — 1,469th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 8.6% — 2,323rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 50,417
33. 93250
> Location: McFarland, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 51.0% — 51st lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $36,299 — 1,477th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 12.4% — 700th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 16,191
32. 39866
> Location: Morgan, Georgia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 65.2% — 334th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $30,500 — 557th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 0.7% — 19,773rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,185
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31. 93212
> Location: Corcoran, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.8%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 58.2% — 141st lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $38,521 — 2,048th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 10.8% — 1,118th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 23,357
Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images
30. 76597
> Location: Gatesville, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.8%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 70.7% — 700th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: N/A
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: N/A
> Population: 2,657
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Source: thinkreaction / iStock via Getty Images
29. 92236
> Location: Coachella, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.8%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 58.5% — 150th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $34,436 — 1,110th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 14.3% — 385th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 45,477
28. 85618
> Location: Mammoth, Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.8%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 72.7% — 904th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $37,331 — 1,732nd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 7.8% — 3,120th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 1,787
Source: Jim Ekstrand / iStock via Getty Images
27. 87311
> Location: Church Rock, New Mexico
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.7%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 68.9% — 559th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $26,591 — 243rd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 17.1% — 149th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 4,084
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Source: benkrut / Getty Images
26. 45404
> Location: Dayton, Ohio
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 78.4% — 2,089th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $31,303 — 668th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 14.0% — 421st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 11,150
25. 93280
> Location: Wasco, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 57.2% — 116th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $39,429 — 2,276th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 10.4% — 1,297th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 28,138
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
24. 93646
> Location: Orange Cove, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 52.0% — 58th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $27,761 — 330th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 14.5% — 363rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 11,738
Source: CrackerClips / Getty Images
23. 78405
> Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 58.2% — 141st lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $30,284 — 538th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 3.6% — 13,555th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 15,059
22. 12929
> Location: Dannemora, New York
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 77.1% — 1,719th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $51,429 — 6,890th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 8.3% — 2,585th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,982
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21. 31775
> Location: Omega, Georgia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.4%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 61.8% — 227th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $36,250 — 1,453rd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 1.9% — 18,468th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,332
Source: ehrlif / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
20. 44902
> Location: Mansfield, Ohio
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.4%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 82.5% — 3,832nd lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $27,815 — 334th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.7% — 6,786th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 5,504
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Source: AIRLANDSEA / iStock via Getty Images
19. 86043
> Location: Second Mesa, Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.4%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 86.4% — 6,347th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $36,181 — 1,439th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 15.6% — 254th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,840
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Source: Courtesy of Fabens Isd via Facebook
18. 79838
> Location: Fabens, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 50.2% — 40th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $29,779 — 484th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 7.8% — 3,120th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 6,171
17. 93223
> Location: Farmersville, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 59.3% — 170th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $39,720 — 2,365th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 12.5% — 675th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 10,716
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Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
16. 77037
> Location: Houston, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 42.8% — 14th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $43,180 — 3,518th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 2.4% — 17,475th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 18,966
Source: Bill_Dally / Getty Images
15. 93204
> Location: Avenal, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 45.6% — 22nd lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $41,114 — 2,842nd lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 12.5% — 675th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 12,961
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14. 30428
> Location: Glenwood, Georgia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.1%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 79.9% — 2,640th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $32,409 — 816th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 7.2% — 3,890th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,815
13. 28347
> Location: Hoffman, North Carolina
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.1%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 57.2% — 116th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $29,722 — 477th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 2.9% — 16,071st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,187
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
12. 77093
> Location: Houston, Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.0%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 47.0% — 26th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $31,301 — 667th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 4.8% — 9,401st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 47,135
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Source: SweetyMommy / iStock via Getty Images
11. 93272
> Location: Tipton, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 41.7% — 10th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $37,532 — 1,796th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 9.1% — 1,975th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 4,707
Source: Phototreat / Getty Images
10. 85608
> Location: Douglas, Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 74.6% — 1,197th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: N/A
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 72.2% — 1st highest of 20,109 ZIP codes
> Population: 4,671
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9. 24430
> Location: Craigsville, Virginia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 71.8% — 821st lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $31,250 — 657th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 7.2% — 3,890th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,829
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
8. 86020
> Location: Cameron, Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 69.9% — 634th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $33,958 — 1,020th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 10.9% — 1,075th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 1,955
Source: jmoor17 / Getty Images
7. 93219
> Location: Earlimart, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 40.0% — 7th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $32,278 — 789th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 15.7% — 243rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 10,285
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6. 93241
> Location: Lamont, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 35.9% — 3rd lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $41,563 — 2,961st lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 9.6% — 1,673rd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 16,397
Source: wellesenterprises / iStock via Getty Images
5. 62846
> Location: Ina, Illinois
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 62.4% — 247th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $37,321 — 1,726th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 5.4% — 7,589th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 2,613
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
4. 87305
> Location: Rock Springs, New Mexico
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 69.4% — 599th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $24,447 — 138th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 12.8% — 614th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 3,209
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Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
3. 71644
> Location: Grady, Arkansas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.2%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 77.8% — 1,909th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $32,723 — 858th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 2.0% — 18,279th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 5,503
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
2. 93203
> Location: Arvin, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 37.5% — 5th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes
> Median household income: $38,985 — 2,150th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 9.4% — 1,774th highest of 20,109 ZIP codes (tied)
> Population: 22,662
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Source: mixmotive / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
1. 92233
> Location: Calipatria, California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6%
> Adults with at least a high school diploma or equivalent: 61.3% — 219th lowest of 20,112 ZIP codes (tied)
> Median household income: $37,009 — 1,650th lowest of 20,099 ZIP codes
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019: 20.3% — 62nd highest of 20,109 ZIP codes
> Population: 7,509
Methodology
To determine America’s least educated ZIP codes, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed five-year estimates of the percentage of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
We used ZIP Code Tabulation Areas — a Census geography type which defines areal representations of United States Postal Service ZIP codes (USPS ZIP codes do not define geographic boundaries but instead are a network of mail delivery routes in a service area). We refer to Census ZCTAs as ZIP codes.
Of the 33,120 ZIP codes the census publishes data for, 32,989 had boundaries that fell within one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
ZIP codes were excluded if bachelor’s degree or higher attainment rates were not available in the 2019 ACS, if the ZIP code’s 25 and older population was less than 1,000, or if the sampling error associated with a ZIP code’s data was deemed too high.
The sampling error was defined as too high if the coefficient of variation — a statistical assessment of how reliable an estimate is — for a ZIP code’s bachelor’s degree or higher attainment rate was above 15% and greater than two standard deviations above the mean CV for all ZIP codes’ bachelor’s degree or higher attainment rate. We similarly excluded ZIP codes that had a sampling error too high for their 25 and over population estimates, using the same definition.
The remaining 20,112 ZIP codes were ranked based on the share of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree.
Additional information on the share of adults 25 years and over who have completed at least high school or its equivalent, median household income, unemployment rates for the 16 and older population in the civilian labor force, and population figures are also five-year estimates from the 2019 ACS.
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