Least educated counties in Tennessee
Written by:
April 1, 2021
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
Least educated counties in Tennessee
The value of traditional education can vary widely across the country. While a college degree has long been viewed as a critical step toward the American dream, growing costs have led many students to reconsider the return-on-investment of higher education. Meanwhile, local economies and individual circumstances can push others toward learning a trade or entering the workforce early.
These considerations aside, national statistics show a clear difference in earnings as they relate to educational attainment, as college graduates typically earn 65% more than those with only a high school degree.
To help understand areas with the lowest educational attainment, Stacker compiled a list of the least educated counties in Tennessee using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Counties are ranked by the lowest percent of the population 25 years and over that has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Ties are broken by the highest percent with less than high school diploma.
Keep read on for a look at the least-educated counties in Tennessee.
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Ichabod // Wikimedia Commons
#50. Chester County
- 16% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 14.8% ($27,688 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.1% ($31,363)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.1% ($40,156)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.5% ($43,403)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.5% ($59,583)
- Less than high school diploma: 14.8% ($27,688 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.1% ($31,363)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.1% ($40,156)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.5% ($43,403)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.5% ($59,583)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#49. Fentress County
- 16% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.1% ($14,196 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.6% ($24,026)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.4% ($26,450)
- Bachelor's degree: 11.7% ($43,023)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($46,125)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.1% ($14,196 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.6% ($24,026)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.4% ($26,450)
- Bachelor's degree: 11.7% ($43,023)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($46,125)
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Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons
#48. Cannon County
- 15.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15.5% ($31,143 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.6% ($34,979)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.2% ($37,123)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.9% ($49,803)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.9% ($55,605)
- Less than high school diploma: 15.5% ($31,143 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.6% ($34,979)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.2% ($37,123)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.9% ($49,803)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.9% ($55,605)
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Geobeedude // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Stewart County
- 15.6% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 12.8% ($23,726 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($29,545)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.8% ($31,000)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.1% ($43,323)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.5% ($51,094)
- Less than high school diploma: 12.8% ($23,726 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($29,545)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.8% ($31,000)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.1% ($43,323)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.5% ($51,094)
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Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com) // Wikimedia Commons
#46. Obion County
- 15.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 16.5% ($20,893 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($26,578)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.5% ($30,478)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($38,613)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($52,931)
- Less than high school diploma: 16.5% ($20,893 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($26,578)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.5% ($30,478)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($38,613)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($52,931)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#45. Sequatchie County
- 15.1% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 18.4% ($18,810 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.1% ($28,693)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.4% ($34,761)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.6% ($43,966)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.5% ($48,934)
- Less than high school diploma: 18.4% ($18,810 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.1% ($28,693)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.4% ($34,761)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.6% ($43,966)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.5% ($48,934)
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Ballinindasierra // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Hardin County
- 15% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 18.5% ($22,229 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.1% ($30,260)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.4% ($32,517)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.2% ($41,823)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($51,953)
- Less than high school diploma: 18.5% ($22,229 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.1% ($30,260)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.4% ($32,517)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.2% ($41,823)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($51,953)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#43. Unicoi County
- 14.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15.1% ($17,353 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.4% ($25,616)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.7% ($33,520)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($44,167)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($60,000)
- Less than high school diploma: 15.1% ($17,353 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.4% ($25,616)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.7% ($33,520)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($44,167)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($60,000)
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Ichabod // Wikimedia Commons
#42. Marshall County
- 14.7% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 14.6% ($28,375 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.4% ($31,618)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 29.4% ($37,190)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($46,780)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.4% ($50,398)
- Less than high school diploma: 14.6% ($28,375 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.4% ($31,618)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 29.4% ($37,190)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.3% ($46,780)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.4% ($50,398)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#41. Decatur County
- 14.5% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 14.1% ($22,066 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.3% ($26,357)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 29.1% ($31,294)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.8% ($42,013)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($53,313)
- Less than high school diploma: 14.1% ($22,066 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.3% ($26,357)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 29.1% ($31,294)
- Bachelor's degree: 10.8% ($42,013)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($53,313)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#40. Warren County
- 14.5% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 20.6% ($21,589 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.3% ($29,686)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.6% ($32,727)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.4% ($37,261)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.2% ($45,213)
- Less than high school diploma: 20.6% ($21,589 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.3% ($29,686)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.6% ($32,727)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.4% ($37,261)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.2% ($45,213)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#39. Smith County
- 14.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 14.7% ($25,996 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.5% ($32,847)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.3% ($33,215)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.1% ($44,681)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.3% ($55,333)
- Less than high school diploma: 14.7% ($25,996 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.5% ($32,847)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.3% ($33,215)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.1% ($44,681)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.3% ($55,333)
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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons
#38. Henderson County
- 14.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.2% ($25,879 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.3% ($29,400)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.1% ($33,509)
- Bachelor's degree: 10% ($47,574)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.4% ($54,331)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.2% ($25,879 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.3% ($29,400)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.1% ($33,509)
- Bachelor's degree: 10% ($47,574)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.4% ($54,331)
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Christina Blust // Wikimedia Commons
#37. Humphreys County
- 14.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15% ($23,777 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 48.4% ($26,894)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.3% ($30,824)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.3% ($50,556)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6% ($48,897)
- Less than high school diploma: 15% ($23,777 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 48.4% ($26,894)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.3% ($30,824)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.3% ($50,556)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6% ($48,897)
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Skye Marthaler // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Lawrence County
- 14.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 16.6% ($22,397 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($29,632)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.8% ($31,534)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.6% ($41,966)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.7% ($49,876)
- Less than high school diploma: 16.6% ($22,397 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($29,632)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.8% ($31,534)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.6% ($41,966)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.7% ($49,876)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Clay County
- 13.9% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 19.7% ($22,794 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.2% ($23,344)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.2% ($31,088)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.4% ($32,368)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,534)
- Less than high school diploma: 19.7% ($22,794 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.2% ($23,344)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.2% ($31,088)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.4% ($32,368)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,534)
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Ichabod // Wikimedia Commons
#34. Trousdale County
- 13.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15.6% ($16,364 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.4% ($33,902)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 32.2% ($32,039)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.3% ($36,471)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,701)
- Less than high school diploma: 15.6% ($16,364 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.4% ($33,902)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 32.2% ($32,039)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.3% ($36,471)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,701)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#33. Crockett County
- 13.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 18.8% ($23,233 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.5% ($29,242)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.8% ($35,861)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.6% ($43,306)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.3% ($57,500)
- Less than high school diploma: 18.8% ($23,233 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.5% ($29,242)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.8% ($35,861)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.6% ($43,306)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.3% ($57,500)
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Walker Kinsler // Wikimedia Commons
#32. Hawkins County
- 13.7% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15.7% ($17,368 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.7% ($28,397)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.9% ($32,559)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.2% ($43,427)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($52,948)
- Less than high school diploma: 15.7% ($17,368 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.7% ($28,397)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.9% ($32,559)
- Bachelor's degree: 9.2% ($43,427)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($52,948)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Monroe County
- 13.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($20,433 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.5% ($30,858)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.4% ($30,047)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.9% ($40,538)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,875)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($20,433 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.5% ($30,858)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 27.4% ($30,047)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.9% ($40,538)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($53,875)
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Canva
#30. Grundy County
- 13.2% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 25.6% ($21,926 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.7% ($27,391)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.4% ($29,646)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.1% ($43,333)
- Graduate or professional degree: 7% ($42,096)
- Less than high school diploma: 25.6% ($21,926 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.7% ($27,391)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.4% ($29,646)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.1% ($43,333)
- Graduate or professional degree: 7% ($42,096)
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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons
#29. Houston County
- 13% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 22.8% ($21,250 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 47.1% ($31,161)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 17.1% ($25,698)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.4% ($41,176)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.6% ($62,955)
- Less than high school diploma: 22.8% ($21,250 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 47.1% ($31,161)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 17.1% ($25,698)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.4% ($41,176)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.6% ($62,955)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Marion County
- 12.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 18.5% ($21,013 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.7% ($34,078)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.1% ($36,686)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.5% ($43,304)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.2% ($51,536)
- Less than high school diploma: 18.5% ($21,013 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.7% ($34,078)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 30.1% ($36,686)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.5% ($43,304)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.2% ($51,536)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Overton County
- 12.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 19.3% ($20,192 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.7% ($29,144)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.2% ($35,995)
- Bachelor's degree: 8% ($48,545)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($47,047)
- Less than high school diploma: 19.3% ($20,192 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.7% ($29,144)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.2% ($35,995)
- Bachelor's degree: 8% ($48,545)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($47,047)
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Skye Marthaler // Wikimedia Commons
#26. McNairy County
- 12.6% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.3% ($23,915 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($30,465)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.6% ($31,540)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.6% ($43,333)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($49,952)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.3% ($23,915 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($30,465)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.6% ($31,540)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.6% ($43,333)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($49,952)
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Canva
#25. Campbell County
- 12.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 22.8% ($23,243 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.6% ($27,885)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.2% ($31,323)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.1% ($41,946)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($46,367)
- Less than high school diploma: 22.8% ($23,243 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 40.6% ($27,885)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.2% ($31,323)
- Bachelor's degree: 8.1% ($41,946)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($46,367)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#24. White County
- 12.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 16.9% ($23,599 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.7% ($29,805)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 25.2% ($30,751)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.8% ($40,278)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($46,722)
- Less than high school diploma: 16.9% ($23,599 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.7% ($29,805)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 25.2% ($30,751)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.8% ($40,278)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($46,722)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Benton County
- 12.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($16,627 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.4% ($26,626)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.7% ($29,888)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.8% ($37,616)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($51,250)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($16,627 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.4% ($26,626)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.7% ($29,888)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.8% ($37,616)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($51,250)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Bledsoe County
- 12% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 24.4% ($25,280 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.8% ($28,542)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.8% ($35,849)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.7% ($39,094)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($54,167)
- Less than high school diploma: 24.4% ($25,280 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.8% ($28,542)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.8% ($35,849)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.7% ($39,094)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.3% ($54,167)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Polk County
- 11.9% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($26,069 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.4% ($31,175)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 31.1% ($32,869)
- Bachelor's degree: 7% ($46,456)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($50,060)
- Less than high school diploma: 17.6% ($26,069 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 39.4% ($31,175)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 31.1% ($32,869)
- Bachelor's degree: 7% ($46,456)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.8% ($50,060)
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Dwight Burdette // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Cocke County
- 11.6% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 20% ($17,445 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.8% ($25,895)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.7% ($32,106)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.4% ($38,478)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.2% ($45,875)
- Less than high school diploma: 20% ($17,445 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.8% ($25,895)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.7% ($32,106)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.4% ($38,478)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.2% ($45,875)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Johnson County
- 11.6% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 20.2% ($15,068 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.6% ($20,730)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.6% ($31,570)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.7% ($39,808)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($53,000)
- Less than high school diploma: 20.2% ($15,068 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 41.6% ($20,730)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.6% ($31,570)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.7% ($39,808)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($53,000)
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Canva
#18. Perry County
- 11.5% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 25.2% ($23,901 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.5% ($31,172)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.9% ($32,284)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($77,143)
- Less than high school diploma: 25.2% ($23,901 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.5% ($31,172)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.9% ($32,284)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.4%
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($77,143)
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RealElectrical // Wikimedia Commons
#17. Hardeman County
- 11.2% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 20.4% ($23,731 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.8% ($29,726)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.7% ($30,836)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.3% ($46,587)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($54,190)
- Less than high school diploma: 20.4% ($23,731 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.8% ($29,726)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 21.7% ($30,836)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.3% ($46,587)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($54,190)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#16. Hancock County
- 11.2% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 22.9% ($19,799 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.2% ($24,363)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.7% ($30,640)
- Bachelor's degree: 4.8% ($42,404)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.4% ($49,244)
- Less than high school diploma: 22.9% ($19,799 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.2% ($24,363)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.7% ($30,640)
- Bachelor's degree: 4.8% ($42,404)
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.4% ($49,244)
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Canva
#15. Haywood County
- 11% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 18% ($25,441 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 47% ($30,804)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24% ($28,410)
- Bachelor's degree: 6% ($54,417)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($51,950)
- Less than high school diploma: 18% ($25,441 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 47% ($30,804)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24% ($28,410)
- Bachelor's degree: 6% ($54,417)
- Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% ($51,950)
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Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Jackson County
- 11% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 21.9% ($29,375 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.6% ($25,437)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.6% ($27,045)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.6% ($39,738)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($47,122)
- Less than high school diploma: 21.9% ($29,375 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.6% ($25,437)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.6% ($27,045)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.6% ($39,738)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($47,122)
38 / 50
Canva
#13. Hickman County
- 10.9% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 21.5% ($23,813 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($30,181)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.3% ($36,832)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.5% ($40,579)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.4% ($61,065)
- Less than high school diploma: 21.5% ($23,813 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($30,181)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.3% ($36,832)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.5% ($40,579)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.4% ($61,065)
39 / 50
AppalachianCentrist // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Grainger County
- 10.7% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 21.4% ($28,886 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.8% ($27,312)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 25.1% ($31,497)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.4% ($44,238)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.3% ($42,042)
- Less than high school diploma: 21.4% ($28,886 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.8% ($27,312)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 25.1% ($31,497)
- Bachelor's degree: 7.4% ($44,238)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.3% ($42,042)
40 / 50
Skye Marthaler // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Lewis County
- 10.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 15.6% ($17,231 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.5% ($25,844)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 31.4% ($28,750)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.6% ($42,538)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($45,625)
- Less than high school diploma: 15.6% ($17,231 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 42.5% ($25,844)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 31.4% ($28,750)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.6% ($42,538)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.8% ($45,625)
41 / 50
Ichabod // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Macon County
- 10.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 19.7% ($19,622 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.7% ($29,143)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.3% ($33,876)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($53,037)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($55,528)
- Less than high school diploma: 19.7% ($19,622 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.7% ($29,143)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 24.3% ($33,876)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($53,037)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.5% ($55,528)
42 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Union County
- 9.9% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 22.9% ($26,126 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($30,847)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.4% ($39,964)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($44,542)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.1% ($66,424)
- Less than high school diploma: 22.9% ($26,126 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.8% ($30,847)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.4% ($39,964)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($44,542)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4.1% ($66,424)
43 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Meigs County
- 9.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 16.2% ($31,066 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($38,088)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 28.6% ($36,250)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.9% ($47,083)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.9% ($54,781)
- Less than high school diploma: 16.2% ($31,066 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($38,088)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 28.6% ($36,250)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.9% ($47,083)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.9% ($54,781)
44 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Wayne County
- 9.7% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 19.8% ($18,476 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.6% ($26,207)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.9% ($28,056)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.7% ($52,545)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4% ($43,454)
- Less than high school diploma: 19.8% ($18,476 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 46.6% ($26,207)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.9% ($28,056)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.7% ($52,545)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4% ($43,454)
45 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#6. Morgan County
- 9.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 19.8% ($16,779 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 48.5% ($27,861)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.4% ($32,134)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($53,611)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($51,654)
- Less than high school diploma: 19.8% ($16,779 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 48.5% ($27,861)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 22.4% ($32,134)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.8% ($53,611)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($51,654)
46 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Pickett County
- 9.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 25.6% ($22,292 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.2% ($21,793)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.7% ($32,883)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.5% ($43,088)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.9% ($52,438)
- Less than high school diploma: 25.6% ($22,292 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 38.2% ($21,793)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.7% ($32,883)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.5% ($43,088)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.9% ($52,438)
47 / 50
Flickr user chiacomo // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Lake County
- 9.4% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 27% ($13,750 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.2% ($28,095)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.3% ($26,599)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.1% ($38,750)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.2% ($48,594)
- Less than high school diploma: 27% ($13,750 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 43.2% ($28,095)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.3% ($26,599)
- Bachelor's degree: 6.1% ($38,750)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.2% ($48,594)
48 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Scott County
- 9.2% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 20.2% ($31,250 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($26,457)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.3% ($32,268)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.7% ($47,238)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($51,464)
- Less than high school diploma: 20.2% ($31,250 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 44.3% ($26,457)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 26.3% ($32,268)
- Bachelor's degree: 5.7% ($47,238)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($51,464)
49 / 50
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com) // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Lauderdale County
- 8.3% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 23% ($22,513 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($31,072)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.4% ($31,584)
- Bachelor's degree: 4.7% ($40,000)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($61,111)
- Less than high school diploma: 23% ($22,513 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 45.4% ($31,072)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 23.4% ($31,584)
- Bachelor's degree: 4.7% ($40,000)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5% ($61,111)
50 / 50
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Van Buren County
- 7.8% of population 25 years and over with Bachelor's degree or higher
- Less than high school diploma: 21% ($24,853 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 50.8% ($24,709)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.5% ($31,567)
- Bachelor's degree: 3.7% ($38,958)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4% ($49,792)
- Less than high school diploma: 21% ($24,853 median earnings)
- High school graduate: 50.8% ($24,709)
- Some college or Associate's degree: 20.5% ($31,567)
- Bachelor's degree: 3.7% ($38,958)
- Graduate or professional degree: 4% ($49,792)
