Literacy Proficiency Levels Among U.S. Adults, by Race and Ethnicity

Literacy proficiency levels among U.S. adults aged 16–65, based on PIAAC data. Categories reflect performance across three tiers: low (Level 1 or below), mid (Level 2), and high (Level 3 or above).

Data Note: Literacy levels are based on the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). “Low literacy” reflects adults at or below Level 1; “mid literacy” corresponds to Level 2; and “high literacy” includes Level 3 and above. Totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Differences between groups may not be statistically significant.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Statistics Canada and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), PIAAC 2012/2014, PIAAC 2017, and PIAAC 2023 Literacy, Numeracy, and Problem Solving TRE Assessments. Get the data Embed Created with Datawrapper