2026 E-Insights Report

Percentage of Adults with Less Than High School Education Below the Poverty Line

  • The poverty rate among adults with less than a high school education in Tampa Bay has edged down from 26.0% in 2013 to 21.2% in 2024, its lowest level in the series. After a spike in 2022, Tampa Bay’s rate has moved back into the upper half of comparison MSAs, suggesting renewed progress for residents with lower educational attainment.
  • In 2024, Dallas had the lowest poverty rate for adults with less than high school education at 18.0%, while St. Louis had the highest at 29.3%, meaning nearly 3 in 10 adults in that group live in poverty. This wide spread across metros highlights how strongly location continues to shape economic outcomes for residents with limited education.
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Trend Over Time

Trend Over Time Line Graph

Competitive Position Trend

Competitive Position Trend Line Graph

About: This indicator measures the share of adults age 25 and older who did not complete high school and live below the federal poverty level. Individuals with lower educational attainment typically face limited job opportunities and lower earnings. A higher percentage signals greater economic vulnerability within this demographic, while a smaller percentage indicates better economic resilience and access to opportunity despite educational barriers. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), Table S1701: Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months, 2013–2024.