Education is often regarded as a crucial factor for achieving success and prosperity in life. Nonetheless, educational attainment varies widely across different places in the United States. A recent study conducted by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and opinion website, highlights the significant disparities between the most and least educated cities in every state.
How the report was made
This study relied on data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, which included all cities, towns, villages, boroughs, and census-designated places with populations exceeding 25,000. Cities were ranked based on the lowest percentage of adults aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The report further offered insights into the proportions of adults with various educational levels, including less than a high school diploma, high school diploma, some college or an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a graduate or professional degree.
Additionally, the study presented median earnings for each educational group and the unemployment rates for individuals between the ages of 25 and 64.
The least educated city in Florida
The study identified West Little River, a census-designated place in Miami-Dade County, as the least educated city in Florida. Only 10.7% of the adult population in West Little River held a bachelor’s degree or higher, a stark contrast to the state average of 29.9%. This figure is notably below the national average of 32.1%.
Furthermore, West Little River demonstrated a high percentage of adults with less than a high school diploma, standing at 18.6%, nearly double the state average of 10.3%. The median earnings for this group amounted to a mere $21,459 per year, which is less than half of the national median of $45,536.
The report also indicated that West Little River had a lower percentage of adults with some college or an associate’s degree (24.4%) and a graduate or professional degree (10.9%) compared to the state averages of 28.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Median earnings for these groups were also below state and national medians.
The low educational attainment in West Little River could be linked to its elevated unemployment rate, averaging 6.4% over the past five years. This rate surpassed the state average of 4.7% and the national average of 4.6% during the same period. Unemployment can significantly impact one’s ability to pursue higher education or secure higher-paying employment.
The implications of low education
The report underscored the critical role of education in economic and social well-being. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates typically earn 67% more than those with only a high school diploma. College graduates also experience lower unemployment rates and increased job security. Furthermore, education can influence an individual’s health, civic engagement, and overall quality of life.
The report recommended that enhancing access to quality education is essential to reducing regional and communal disparities in the United States. It further urged policymakers and educators to address the barriers that hinder some individuals from pursuing higher education, such as rising tuition costs, student debt, inadequate financial aid, family responsibilities, cultural norms, and learning disabilities.
In Conclusion
West Little River, as revealed by the 24/7 Wall St. report, stands as the least educated city in Florida. The city exhibits a low percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher and a high percentage of adults without a high school diploma.
Moreover, West Little River reports lower median earnings and higher unemployment rates compared to state and national averages. The study emphasized the benefits of education for both individuals and society, advocating for increased efforts to enhance educational opportunities and attainment for all Americans.