Description of the Indicator
This indicator examines a region’s literacy and numeracy based on average scores from 2013 to 2017. The scores are scaled from zero to 500 and sourced from the Institute of Education Sciences.
Why is it important?
Literacy and numeracy are foundational skills that impact an individual’s ability to succeed in school, secure employment, and navigate daily life. Regions with higher literacy and numeracy levels tend to have stronger workforces, greater economic opportunities, and elevated quality of life. Tracking these scores helps educators, policymakers, and workforce development leaders identify gaps and implement strategies to improve educational outcomes.
How is the region performing?
Among the counties analyzed, Wyoming County has the highest literacy score at 264; Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties follow with average literacy scores of 263, and Wayne County has a slightly lower average of 262. Numeracy scores follow a similar pattern, with Wyoming County possessing the highest score at 250, both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties averaging 249 and Wayne County averaging 248. These scores fall slightly below the Pennsylvania state averages of 266 for literacy and 252 for numeracy.