Hamilton County has achieved the top position in the nation for math skills, which encompasses adult math proficiency as well

Indianapolis, Indiana – Hamilton County outshines all other U.S. counties in a particular measure of math proficiency, yet Indiana as a state lags significantly behind the average.

The local headlines stem from a national study on “numeracy averages,” conducted by a data analysis firm known as Excel Champs, utilizing figures gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Numeracy encompasses more than just the results of assessments.

The Program for the Assessment of Adult Competencies defines numeracy as “the ability to access, use, interpret and communicate mathematical information and ideas in order to engage in and manage the mathematical demands of a range of situations in adult life.”

The Excel Champs study analyzes the NCES numeracy scores, calculating the averages for each state and county. A community’s proficiency increases with a higher average.

Hamilton County boasts an impressive average numeracy score of 285.7, surpassing all other counties in the nation and exceeding the national average by 14.7%. Indiana has no other counties listed among the top 50.

Top 5 average numeracy scores by county

1. Hamilton County – 285.7
2. Los Alamos County, New Mexico – 285.1
3. Douglas County, Colorado – 284.8
4. 4.Delaware County, Ohio – 283.3
5. Williamson County, Tennessee – 282.8

Top 5 average numeracy scores by state

1. New Hampshire 268
2. Minnesota 267.7
3. Vermont 264.9
4. North Dakota 264.2
5. Alaska 263.7

The overall average in Indiana is considerably less noteworthy. The state’s numeracy average stands at 251.5, placing it just below the middle tier and significantly trailing the top-performing states.