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Adult Literacy Facts

  • 36 million adults in the U.S. are illiterate or possess low literacy levels

  • Over 32 million adults in the U.S. have less than a high school education

  • The United States scores below Finland, Canada, England, and Australia in adult literacy proficiency levels

Local Literacy Statistics

 

Knowledge is power, and understanding some of the facts can help bring the problem into perspective. Below are some statistics from the area as well as NY State. This information shows us that the need for improved literacy and adult education is essential in our community.

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1 IN 6

US ADULTS HAVE

LOW LITERACY LEVELS

Literacy Facts

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Chemung County Population
and Literacy Statistics

  • Total population: 83,405

  • Population above 18 years: 65,807 (78.9%)

  • 15,013 (18%) Adults in Chemung County have low Literacy Levels

  • Language other than English spoken at home: 3,753 (4.5%)

  • Population without a high school degree or higher: 7,840 (9.4%)

  • Does not have a bachelor’s degree or higher: 63,721 (76.4%)

  • Persons below the poverty line: 12,094 (14.5%)

  • Total population: 17,752

  • Population above 18 years: 14,379 (81%)

  • 3,195 (18%) Adults in Schuyler County have low Literacy Levels

  • Language other than English spoken at home: 586 (3.3%)

  • Population without a high school degree or higher: 1,811 (10.2%)

  • Does not have a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13,634 (76.8%)

  • Persons below the poverty line: 2,095 (11.8%)

Schuyler County Population
and Literacy Statistics

Elmira Population
and Literacy Statistics

  • Total population: 26,299

  • Population above 18 years: 20,198 (76.8%)

  • 4,734 (18%) Adults in Elmira have low Literacy Levels

  • Language other than English spoken at home: 947 (3.6%)

  • Population without a high school degree or higher: 3,103 (11.8%)

  • Does not have a bachelor’s degree or higher: 22,249 (84.6%)

  • Persons below the poverty line: 6,548 (24.9%)

*Data was collected from: The Census Bureau, Barbara Bush Foundation, Survey of Adult Skills, and the OECD PIAAC study

 

Source U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits Last Revised: Tuesday, 14-Dec-2022 11:26:33 EST)

Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties

650 Baldwin Street

Elmira, NY 14901

(607) 734-6174

 

MAIN HOURS

Monday through Friday

8:30am - 4:30pm

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Other hours vary depending on program.

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Accessibility Statement

This website is supported by Grant Number 02CH012260 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

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This website is supported in part by Grant Number C1002737 (Community Services Block Grant) from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services.

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