Who Lives in the Most Literate Cities? by Peter Lumpkins

     Since 2003, Jack Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University, has conducted research tagging the most literate cities in the United States.  The criteria includes local newspaper and magazine circulation, library data, online news readership, book purchases and resources, and educational attainment.

Not surprising was the number one spot taken by Seattle (actually tied with Minneapolis) since it has lingered around the top since the study started.  Nor is Boston's presence particularly noteworthy.  What may be of more interest are the cities nowhere to be found:  New York, Raleigh-Durham, Dallas, or Chicago. 

Nonetheless, the biggest eye-popper--especially for those who think we southerners operate a pint short of mimbo/bimbo--is the crown jewel of Southern Culture, Atlanta, Georgia.  In fact, Atlanta has been in the top five most literate cities since at least 2005.

Did your city make the cut?  Find the full story here.

With that, I am...

Peter

Comments

[Bob Cleveland]

I don't even want to know where Birmingham comes in. I never was good at interpreting Scientific number formatting (like 2E+05).

[John Daly]

St. Louis checked in just a few cities after you guys. Maybe I frequent the wrong crowds as rarely do I see anyone with a book; however, they do still have an opinion.

[Geoff Baggett]

What city? ;)

[volfan007]

I just cant believe that Memphis, nor Greenfield, nor Hornsby, nor Waynesboro, TN made the list!!!!!

David

[Steve]

But Peter, surely the most literate cities with frequent readers correlates to the cities with the worste weather and poorest tv reception! I bet they also have the most kids too!

[SelahV Today by Hariette Petersen]

That's why I read your blog, Peter. I get literate by proxy. :) selahV

[SelahV Today by Hariette Petersen]

Is that your library in the picture?