U.S. ZIP Codes Show Wide Range in College Degree Attainment, From 1% to Over 90%
New Census Bureau data analyzed by UnitedStatesZipCodes.org shows stark contrasts in educational attainment across 41,552 active U.S. ZIP codes. Boston's 02210 leads with 95.7 percent of adults 25 and older holding college degrees while Green Bay's 54307 sits at the bottom. The American Community Survey estimates cover 2020 to 2024 and were released in 2026.
New York PostOrg. 7 percent of adults 25 and older holding a college degree. 3 million.
The findings come from American Community Survey estimates covering the period 2020 to 2024 that were released in 2026. 5 percent.
Org examined the top 50 most educated and 50 least educated ZIP codes out of the total 41,552. Irvington, New York ZIP code 10533 ranked 14th nationally with 90 percent. 5 percent.
8 percent and ranked 50th. At the lower end, Kincheloe, Michigan ZIP code 49784 registered 2 percent. Brickeys, Arkansas ZIP code 72320 came in at 3 percent.
6 percent of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree or higher. 3 percent rate.
The data lay bare a stunning educational divide across America, New York Post reported. In many metro areas, college graduates are discovering their expensive degrees are not securing jobs amid advances in artificial intelligence.
U.S. Adults believe a four-year degree is worth the price tag if loans are required. Trade schools, community colleges, certification programs, apprenticeships and on-the-job training represent far better and more practical options for many young Americans, according to the analysis.
“Over the last five years, we’ve noticed a significant increase in the percentage of adults completing higher education,” said Erik Hernandez, a Census Bureau statistician.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026
American Community Survey estimates for 2020-2024 released by US Census Bureau
1 sourceNew York Post - 2020-2024
American Community Survey data collected on educational attainment by ZIP code
1 sourceUnitedStatesZipCodes.org via New York Po - 2024
Pew study finds only 22% of US adults believe four-year degree worth cost with loans
1 sourceNew York Post - 2015-2019
Prior American Community Survey period used for comparison showing increase in degree attainment
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Persistent geographic correlation between high educational attainment and high home values in top-ranked ZIP codes
- 02
Increased interest in trade schools, apprenticeships and certification programs as alternatives to traditional college
- 03
Growing perception among Gen Z that four-year degrees deliver limited job market value amid AI adoption
Transparency Panel
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