“Literacy is shaped by a range of social and demographic factors, from birthplace and language proficiency to incarceration rates and parental education. Disparities are especially pronounced among U.S.-born adults and underserved communities. Children raised in low-literacy households often face significant academic challenges. Understanding these contributing factors helps shape more effective solutions for lasting change.

11. Two-thirds of U.S. adults with low literacy skills are U.S.-born, while 34% are foreign-born.
12. White and Hispanic adults represent the largest segments of those with low literacy skills, at 35% and 34%, respectively.
13. Three out of four (75%) state-incarcerated individuals did not complete high school or are classified as low literate.
14. Incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to return to prison.
15. Only 53% of U.S. immigrants are proficient English speakers.
16. Three out of four people on welfare have the lowest two levels of literacy.
17. One in five (20%) Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.
18. Half of the unemployed between ages 16 and 21 cannot read well enough to be considered functionally literate.
19. Nearly 80% of those who live in poverty read at Level 2 or below.
20. Children surrounded by adults with low literacy rates are 72% more likely to have a low reading level in school.
21. A mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors such as neighborhood and family income.
22. More than a third (34%) of U.S. fourth graders have a reading level lower than the basic level.
23. 27% of eighth-grade students have a reading level below the basic level.
24. Nearly four out of ten (39%) of eighth-grade students read below the proficient level.
25. 44% of American adults do not read a book in a year.

1 in 5 U.S. adults are considered functionally illiterate, unable to complete basic reading tasks.

The Economic Impact of Literacy . . .”