In today’s society, education plays a vital role in determining one’s success and achieving prosperity. However, there is a noticeable discrepancy in educational attainment across various regions in the United States. A financial news and opinion website, 24/7 Wall St., conducted a recent study that brought to light the stark contrast between the most and least educated cities in each state.
How the report was made
The data used in this study was obtained from the 2019 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau. It encompassed all census-designated places, boroughs, cities, towns, and villages with a population exceeding 25,000. The ranking of cities was based on the minimal percentage of adults aged 25 or above who held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
According to the report, the educational levels of adults were analyzed, which included those with 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. The report provided valuable insights into the distribution of educational qualifications among the adult population.
Furthermore, the research showcased the median income of each educational cohort and the joblessness ratios for individuals aged 25 to 64.
The least educated city in Florida
In Miami-Dade County, West Little River has been identified as the least educated city in Florida according to a recent study. Shockingly, only 10.7% of the adult population in this census-designated place has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the state average of 29.9% and the national average of 32.1%.
In addition, it should be noted that West Little River has a significant number of adults who have not completed high school, with a percentage of 18.6%, which is almost double the state average of 10.3%. The median earnings for this group are also notably low, at only $21,459 per year, which is less than half of the national median income of $45,536.
According to the report, the percentage of adults in West Little River who have completed some college or hold an associate’s degree (24.4%) and those with a graduate or professional degree (10.9%) is lower when compared to the state averages of 28.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Moreover, the median earnings for these groups are also below the state and national medians.
In West Little River, the high unemployment rate of 6.4% over the last five years could be a contributing factor to the low educational attainment in the area. This rate is higher than both the state and national averages of 4.7% and 4.6%, respectively, during the same period. Unemployment can have a significant impact on an individual’s capability to pursue higher education or secure higher-paying jobs.
The implications of low education
The importance of education in achieving economic and social well-being was emphasized in the report. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who have completed their college education usually earn 67% more compared to those who only have a high school diploma. In addition, college graduates have lower unemployment rates and greater job security. Education also plays a vital role in shaping an individual’s health, civic engagement, and overall quality of life.
According to the report, reducing regional and communal disparities in the United States can be achieved by improving access to quality education. Policymakers and educators need to address the hindrances that prevent some individuals from pursuing higher education, including rising tuition costs, student debt, inadequate financial aid, family responsibilities, cultural norms, and learning disabilities. The report emphasizes the importance of taking concrete steps to remove these barriers and create a level playing field for all students to succeed.
In Conclusion
According to a report by 24/7 Wall St., West Little River is the least educated city in Florida. The city has a low percentage of adults who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a high percentage of adults who haven’t completed their high school education.
In addition, the median earnings in West Little River are lower, and the unemployment rates are higher than the state and national averages. The study underlined the significance of education not only for individuals but also for society as a whole. Therefore, it recommended increasing efforts to improve educational opportunities and achievements for all Americans.
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