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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.

​

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)

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