A lack of access to quality education is widely recognized as a major contributor to incarceration in the US. What is less frequently discussed, however, is the direct role that reading and literacy skills play in shaping crime rates. Literacy is more than just a foundation for learning. It’s a lifeline that influences employment opportunities, income potential, and an individual’s likelihood of entering the criminal justice system.

According to the Every Library Institute, understanding the importance of literacy is essential for building a more equitable society. Adults with limited reading skills are significantly more likely to face unemployment (or underemployment), which increases the chances of turning to crime, simply for survival. Children raised in households where parents struggle with literacy are also more likely to leave school without graduating, facing a greater risk of incarceration themselves. Access to books and literacy programs help break this cycle.

Early Literacy and the Risk of Incarceration

The connection between reading struggles and criminal behavior is well-documented. The Department of Justice has reported that, “the link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure.” Over 70% of US inmates are unable to read above a fourth-grade level. This staggering statistic highlights how critical it is for children to gain strong literacy skills early in life.

Numbers from The Literacy Project Foundation paint a stark picture:

• Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will eventually end up in jail or on welfare (National Assessment of Adult Literacy).
• 85% of juveniles in the court system are considered “functionally low literate.”
• Youth incarceration decreases the likelihood of graduating high school and increases the odds of future incarceration.
• High school dropouts are 63% more likely to be incarcerated than those who complete a four-year college degree.

These findings show how literacy struggles in childhood can shape an individual’s future, setting the stage for long-term social and economic consequences.

Illiteracy and Recidivism

Low literacy also plays a major role in recidivism (the tendency for former inmates to re-offend).

Without reading skills, incarcerated individuals are often excluded from rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and even basic re-entry resources such as job applications. This lack of opportunity means that those leaving prison are no more prepared for life outside than when they entered, perpetuating the cycle of incarceration.

The Bigger Picture

Reading ability remains one of the strongest predictors of career success. Those who are literate can pursue higher education, skilled careers, and stable employment. Those without literacy skills face limited job options and higher barriers to financial independence.

Current US literacy data from The Department of Justice highlights the urgency:

• As of 2024, 21% of adults are considered illiterate.
• 54% of US adults read below a sixth-grade level (20% reading below a fifth-grade level).
• Low literacy costs the nation up to $2.2 trillion annually in lost productivity, crime-related expenses, and social services.

These statistics make it clear that literacy is not just a personal issue. This is an economic and social challenge nationwide.

The connection between literacy and incarceration is undeniable. Low literacy increases the likelihood of criminal behavior, incarceration, and recidivism, while also limiting career opportunities and draining the economy.

Libraries, remedial reading programs, and easy access to books are all crucial parts of the solution. If we are serious about reducing crime and building stronger, safer communities, investing in literacy must be a national priority.

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.