Nevada’s Adult Literacy Rate Is Among America’s Lowest

Adult literacy rates are declining in America and Nevada finds itself near the bottom of the national rankings. Nevada ranks 47th out of 51 (50 states plus Washington, D.C.) in adult literacy, according to the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), an evaluation of adults’ ability to understand, evaluate, and engage with written texts in everyday contexts.

PIAAC assesses adult literacy using a scale of skill levels. Level 1 indicates the ability to read only short, simple texts, while Level 5 involves searching for and integrating information across multiple complex texts. Approximately 19% of U.S. adults perform at or below Level 1 (functionally illiterate). Nevada ranks among the lowest-performing states in the country, with 25% of its adults performing at or below Level 1. Only Texas, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Louisiana perform worse. In contrast, New Hampshire and Minnesota lead the country.

Nevada's economy relies heavily on tourism, manufacturing, and mining. These industries need skilled, adaptable workers, yet low adult literacy severely limits job readiness and career advancement. With one in four Nevadans reading only at or below Level 1, many struggle with basic forms, instructions, or digital tools required in the workplace. Adults with low literacy earn 35% less over their lifetimes, face higher unemployment, and are less able to upskill or transition between jobs. This not only holds individuals back but also widens economic inequality across the state.

Low literacy also carries political consequences. Adults with limited reading skills vote less often, struggle to understand ballot measures and policies, and are more vulnerable to misinformation. In Nevada, where elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, these reading challenges suppress civic engagement and can sway democratic outcomes.

Nevada's low adult literacy rates may stem from weaknesses in its K-12 education system. Although Nevada education is showing signs of improvement, the state consistently ranks among the lowest in national assessments of student proficiency in reading and math. Low per-pupil funding, high student-to-teacher ratios, and teacher shortages contribute to poorer educational outcomes. Students who graduate with limited reading skills often enter adulthood without the foundation needed to build literacy later, perpetuating the cycle of low proficiency seen in the PIAAC results.

Nevada lawmakers can use the PIAAC data to guide policy. Options include expanding adult education through community colleges or integrating literacy programs into workforce development. Such measures may raise proficiency levels, increase voter participation, and improve economic outcomes. Addressing low literacy rates could reduce disparities across the state.