5 Most Illiterate States in America

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 most illiterate states in America. If you wish to see our detailed analysis, you can move directly to 25 Most Illiterate States in America.

5. Rhode Island

High School Graduates: 36,109

College Degree Holders: 47,602

Bachelor’s Or Higher Degree Holders: 17,526

Weighted Score: 32.35

Early literacy is low in Rhode Island. A large student population in Rhode Island is poor in the English language, making the state one of the top illiterate states in the US.

4. Maryland

High School Graduates: 173,735     

College Degree Holders: 208,756

Bachelor’s Or Higher Degree Holders: 89,768

Weighted Score: 32.27

Students in the state of Maryland struggle with Mathematics and English and do not perform well at their grade level. Children from low-income groups even depict lower literacy numbers. Hence, Maryland is one of the most illiterate US states.

3. New Jersey

High School Graduates: 237,931

College Degree Holders: 310,909

Bachelor’s Or Higher Degree Holders: 149,546

Weighted Score: 32.07

New Jersey is another state in the US that doesn’t do well in literacy statistics. Many students in the state drop out, having a reading level below ninth grade, thereby making the illiteracy rate high in the state.

2. New York

High School Graduates: 519,638

College Degree Holders: 727,819

Bachelor’s Or Higher Degree Holders: 331,316

Weighted Score: 31.97

Another state in the US which is known to have low literacy is New York. There are many residents who either don’t have a high school diploma or have reading proficiency equivalent to that of a fifth grader. Literary education is not provided as required in the state.

1. New Mexico

High School Graduates: 71,601

College Degree Holders: 69,036

Bachelor’s Or Higher Degree Holders: 15,857

Weighted Score: 31.77

New Mexico is the most illiterate state in the United States. Most of the adults lack basic literacy skills. The literacy rate is even lower than the national average literacy. There is a lot of poverty in the state which also restricts access to education.

You can also take a look at 30 Countries with Highest Rates of Emigration and 25 Most Civilized Countries in the World.