54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level

The National Literacy Institute (NLI) released updated data and findings on national literacy levels and the ongoing teacher workforce shortage for the 2024–2025 school year.

According to NLI, approximately 130 million adults in the United States struggle to read basic sentences, and 54% of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). In addition, 64% of U.S. fourth-grade students do not read proficiently.

NLI states that literacy rates are tied to economic and social outcomes. Adults with lower literacy skills have limited access to employment and career advancement. The organization cites national data estimating that low literacy costs the U.S. economy as much as $2.2 trillion annually.

Teacher Shortages and Classroom Challenges

NLI conducted a national survey of classroom teachers to identify factors contributing to educator resignations.
According to survey results:

• Classroom management challenges were reported as the leading reason teachers leave the profession.
• Lack of parental involvement and support was also cited as a major factor.
• Pay and administrative support were reported as lesser contributing factors.
• Teachers reported increased difficulty addressing student motivation, social-emotional needs, and student distraction due to high levels of social media use.

Multiple school districts across the country report continued difficulty recruiting and retaining educators, with shortages most severe in:

• Special Education
• Bilingual / English as a Second Language
• STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math)
• Career and Technical Education
• Early Childhood Education

2024–2025 Literacy Statistics (United States)

• 79% of U.S. adults are considered literate
• 21% of U.S. adults are illiterate
• 54% of adults read below a sixth-grade level
• 34% of adults with low literacy were born outside the U.S.
• Massachusetts has the highest child literacy rate
• New Mexico has the lowest child literacy rate
• New Hampshire has the highest adult literacy rate
• California has the lowest adult literacy rate
• The United States ranks 36th globally in literacy

Global Literacy Overview

Worldwide, literacy rates for individuals age 15 and older are:

• 86.3% overall
• 90% for males
• 82.7% for females

Developed nations generally have literacy rates of 96% or higher, while the least developed nations average around 65%. NLI notes that literacy challenges are closely tied to poverty, and that two-thirds of illiterate adults globally are women.