The percentage of the population 14 years old and over that was illiterate in 1960 was below the national rate of 2.4 percent in 32 States and the District of Columbia, according to estimates prepared by the Bureau of the Census. The estimated illiteracy rate by States was as low as 0.7 percent (in Iowa) and as high as 6.3 percent (in Louisiana).

Illiteracy rates were generally highest in the South. In addition to Louisiana, southern States which had rates of 4.0 or higher included South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina. Other States with such high rates were Hawaii and New Mexico. Illiteracy rates were generally lowest in parts of the West North Central, Mountain, and Pacific Divisions. In addition to Iowa, States where the percent illiterate was below 1.0 percent included South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Washington, and Oregon.