2026 E-Insights Report

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree Below the Poverty Level

  • The poverty rate among adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Tampa Bay has stayed relatively flat, moving only slightly from 5.8% in 2013 to 5.5% in 2024. Despite minor ups and downs, Tampa Bay remains on the higher end of the comparison MSAs, suggesting that even college-educated residents here experience more economic strain than in many peer regions.
  • In 2024, Minneapolis had the lowest poverty rate for adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher at 3.2%, indicating strong economic outcomes for highly educated residents. At the other end, Miami recorded the highest rate at 6.8%, with Orlando (5.9%) and Tampa Bay (5.5%) also among the higher-poverty metros for college-educated adults, underscoring regional differences in how far a degree goes in protecting against poverty.
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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 with a bachelor’s degree or higher who nevertheless live below the federal poverty level. Although higher education is generally associated with stronger earnings and employment stability, economic hardship can still persist for some highly educated residents. A higher percentage suggests that local labor market conditions or cost-of-living pressures may be limiting the economic returns of a college degree. A lower percentage indicates stronger economic outcomes and better alignment between educational attainment and financial well-being. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), Table S1701: Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months, 2013–2024.