Higher education can be a strong economic factor for a community. Below we highlight the counties in the US with the highest rate of college enrollment. Lexington City, Virginia, leads the way, with over 50% of its population enrolled in higher education programs. Madison County, Idaho, and Williamsburg City, Virginia, follow closely behind, highlighting regions where universities and colleges play a central role in shaping local communities. These counties not only attract large student populations but also benefit economically from their status as educational hubs, fostering innovation, culture, and growth
| Rank | County, State | Enrollment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington City, VA | 50.16% |
| 2 | Madison County, ID | 42.14% |
| 3 | Williamsburg City, VA | 40.79% |
| 4 | Radford City, VA | 40.43% |
| 5 | Whitman County, WA | 35.28% |
Complete List of Counties with the Highest College Enrollment Rate
The national college enrollment rate of 39% focuses on young adults aged 18–24. In our research, we examined enrollment rates as a percentage of the entire population, offering a broader perspective on the impact of higher education institutions within these communities.
1. Lexington City, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 50.16%
- Median Household Income: $93,651
- Population: 7,346
2. Madison County, Idaho
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 42.14%
- Median Household Income: $53,025
- Population: 52,487
3. Williamsburg City, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 40.79%
- Median Household Income: $66,815
- Population: 15,486
4. Radford City, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 40.43%
- Median Household Income: $51,039
- Population: 16,379
5. Whitman County, Washington
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 35.28%
- Median Household Income: $49,345
- Population: 47,141
6. Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 31.17%
- Median Household Income: $42,953
- Population: 51,388
7. Story County, Iowa
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 30.53%
- Median Household Income: $66,197
- Population: 98,573
8. Harrisonburg City, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 29.99%
- Median Household Income: $56,050
- Population: 51,784
9. Montgomery County, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 29.71%
- Median Household Income: $65,270
- Population: 99,373
10. Clay County, South Dakota
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 29.51%
- Median Household Income: $55,963
- Population: 14,953
11. Watauga County, North Carolina
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 29.40%
- Median Household Income: $50,034
- Population: 54,540
12. Albany County, Wyoming
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 28.72%
- Median Household Income: $55,887
- Population: 37,525
13. Tompkins County, New York
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 26.73%
- Median Household Income: $69,995
- Population: 102,555
14. Riley County, Kansas
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 26.71%
- Median Household Income: $56,327
- Population: 72,105
15. Clarke County, Georgia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 26.57%
- Median Household Income: $48,692
- Population: 128,864
16. Payne County, Oklahoma
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 26.26%
- Median Household Income: $46,658
- Population: 82,058
17. Athens County, Ohio
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 25.81%
- Median Household Income: $48,750
- Population: 61,276
18. Monroe County, Indiana
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 25.60%
- Median Household Income: $60,308
- Population: 140,065
19. Brazos County, Texas
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 25.56%
- Median Household Income: $57,562
- Population: 234,548
20. Latah County, Idaho
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 25.12%
- Median Household Income: $62,258
- Population: 39,872
21. Centre County, Pennsylvania
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 24.72%
- Median Household Income: $70,087
- Population: 158,665
22. Prince Edward County, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 23.36%
- Median Household Income: $57,304
- Population: 21,922
23. Charlottesville City, Virginia
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 23.04%
- Median Household Income: $67,177
- Population: 46,289
24. Adair County, Missouri
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 22.92%
- Median Household Income: $51,020
- Population: 25,299
25. Tippecanoe County, Indiana
- Percentage of Population Enrolled in College: 22.73%
- Median Household Income: $55,728
- Population: 186,955
