The better educated the population, the higher the salaries. So choosing to live where the smart people do can help ensure that someone’s income is also above average.
Here are the metro areas that the most- and least-educated call home:
Metro areas with the highest percentage of residents with a college degree:
1. Washington, D.C., 47.3 percent
2. San Francisco, 43.5 percent
3. San Jose, Calif., 43.2 percent
4. (tie) Raleigh, N.C. 42.2 percent
4. (tie) Boston, 42.2 percent
6. Austin, Texas, 38.7 percent
7. (tie) Minneapolis, 37.6 percent
7. (tie) Denver, 37.6 percent
9. Seattle, 37.4 percent10. New York, 35.6 percent
Metro areas with the lowest percentage of residents with a college degree:
1. Riverside, Calif., 19.
2 percent2. Las Vegas, 21.3 percent
3. Memphis, Tenn., 24.2 percent
4. Tampa, Fla., 24.6 percent
5. San Antonio, Texas, 24.8 percent
6. Louisville, Ky., 24.9 percent
7. New Orleans, 26.2 percent
8. Detroit, 26.3 percent
9. Orlando, Fla., 26.6 percent
10. Cleveland, 26.9 percent
Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (10/01/2010)