Louisiana boasts a state rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, yet it grapples with lower education levels compared to the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 24.4% of Louisiana adults aged 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher, contrasting with the national average of 32.6%. Moreover, 14.3% of Louisiana adults lack a high school diploma, surpassing the national average of 12.1%. These statistics underscore the educational challenges faced by the state.
The Least Educated City in Louisiana: Dalton
Nestled in Bienville Parish in north-central Louisiana, Dalton, with a population of about 2,000 and a poverty rate of 38.9%, stands out as the least educated city in the state. WalletHub’s report on the 150 most populated metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the U.S. ranked Dalton based on educational attainment and quality of education and attainment gap.
Dalton earned its position as the least educated city by recording the lowest percentage of individuals with at least some college (20%) and a bachelor’s degree or higher (8.9%). Shockingly, it ranked 149th out of 150 for the highest percentage of people lacking a high school diploma (28.7%). Additionally, Dalton placed 148th for its low-quality education and attainment gap. Covering Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, and Union parishes, Dalton’s MSA, with a total population of about 150,000, faces limited higher education options, with Louisiana Tech University in Ruston being the nearest public university, situated approximately 30 miles away.
Factors Contributing to Dalton’s Educational Challenges
Poverty and Unemployment
Dalton’s low educational achievements are intertwined with socioeconomic factors. With a median household income of $24,375, significantly lower than the national average of $62,843, and an unemployment rate of 9.1% (compared to the national average of 6.0%), many in Dalton face financial barriers to accessing higher education. These challenges encompass difficulties affording college expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and transportation.
Lack of Access
Limited higher education options further compound Dalton’s educational struggles. The nearest public university, Louisiana Tech University, and community college, Louisiana Delta Community College, may have prohibitive tuition costs, making it difficult for many residents to pursue higher education. The area’s public schools, with a rating of 4 out of 10 by GreatSchools, also indicate a lower quality of education, potentially impacting students’ readiness for college-level work.
Lack of Motivation
Moreover, a lack of motivation among Dalton’s residents may contribute to the city’s educational challenges. While a Pew Research Center survey indicates that 61% of U.S. adults consider a college education very important, attitudes may differ based on region, income, race, and gender. Dalton’s residents may not universally see the value or benefit of higher education, reflecting broader disparities in attitudes toward education, employment, and social mobility.
Conclusion
Louisiana grapples with a lower level of education compared to the national average, and Dalton emerges as the least educated city in the state. The city’s challenges stem from a complex interplay of poverty, unemployment, limited access to higher education, and a lack of motivation. While Louisiana faces educational disparities, addressing these factors is crucial to fostering a more educated and empowered community in Dalton and beyond.