California, often celebrated for its stunning scenery and pleasant weather, has received an unexpected title—the least educated city in the country. A recent report has identified Visalia, California, dubbed the “Major Gateway to the Sequoias,” as holding this dubious distinction.
Visalia ranked last in education among U.S. cities, with other California cities, including Bakersfield, Modesto, Salinas, Fresno, and Stockton, also appearing on the list. In fact, six out of the ten cities deemed the least educated are concentrated in California.
Specifically, the report placed Visalia at 150th overall, with Bakersfield closely following at 147th, Modesto at 146th, and so on. The study evaluated the 150 most populated cities in the U.S. based on various criteria—one of which was the percentage of adults over 25 with at least a bachelor’s degree and the effectiveness of local public school systems.
Bakersfield and Visalia stand out for having some of the lowest rates of high school diplomas and college degrees among their residents. Their bachelor’s degree holders are particularly scarce.
On a brighter note, the San Jose metropolitan area has been recognized as the third most educated region nationally, showcasing a population where over half of the residents over 25 possess a bachelor’s degree. The area also ranks third in terms of university quality.
Interestingly, the Ann Arbor metropolitan area in Michigan leads as the most educated region in the United States, with a remarkable 96% of adults over 25 holding at least a high school diploma, about 59% having a bachelor’s degree, and roughly 32% achieving an advanced degree—these figures rank among the highest nationwide.
