2 in 5 Americans did not read a single book in 2025
A new report dives into American reading habits, revealing that two in five adults did not read a single book in 2025, a statistic that prompted much debate among Hacker News readers. While the average American read 8 books, the median was only 2, highlighting a significant divide driven by avid readers. The discussion on HN quickly turned to skepticism about self-reported data and the definition of 'reading' in an increasingly digital world.
The Lowdown
A comprehensive report titled "Reading Statistics 2026" compiles over 50 data points on American reading habits, book market trends, and literacy rates from 2025-2026. Sourced from various authoritative studies like YouGov and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the report offers a detailed look at who reads, what they read, and in what formats.
- General Habits: 41% of Americans (2 in 5) did not read a single book in 2025. The average American read 8 books, but the median was only 2, indicating that a small percentage of heavy readers inflate the average. The top 19% of adult citizens account for 82% of all books read.
- Time Spent: Americans aged 15+ spend an average of 7 minutes reading per day, contrasting sharply with over 7 hours spent on screens. When they do read, dedicated sessions average 90 minutes.
- Demographics: Americans aged 65+ read the most (12.1 books on average), while 18-29 year-olds read the least (5.8 books). College-educated adults read digital books and listen to audiobooks at more than double the rate of those without a degree. Women are also more likely to have library cards (59% vs. 41% for men).
- Formats: Physical books remain the most popular format (46% read one), followed by ebooks (24%) and audiobooks (23%). The audiobook market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach $35.47 billion by 2030.
- Market Trends: Print book sales in the U.S. saw a 1% increase in 2024, demonstrating resilience. Social media platforms like TikTok's #BookTok community significantly influenced an estimated 59 million print book sales. The book market is highly competitive, with only 4% of published books surpassing 1,000 sales.
- Youth Reading: In the UK, only 32.7% of children aged 8-18 enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025, the lowest in 20 years, with fewer than 1 in 5 reading daily.
- Literacy Concerns: 14% of U.S. adults are considered functionally illiterate, and 65% of American fourth graders do not read at a proficient level.
- Benefits: Reading can reduce stress by 68%, lower heart rate, and reduce cortisol levels. Fiction readers tend to exhibit higher empathy levels.
Overall, the report paints a nuanced picture of reading in America: a significant portion of the population doesn't engage with books, while a dedicated segment reads voraciously across various formats. The rising popularity of audiobooks and the enduring appeal of print, alongside concerns about functional illiteracy and declining youth reading, suggest a complex and evolving landscape for literacy.
The Gossip
Statistical Skepticism & Self-Reporting Bias
Many commenters expressed doubt regarding the accuracy of the statistics, particularly the reported percentage of Americans who read at least one book. The prevailing sentiment was that survey respondents likely exaggerate their reading habits to appear more intellectual or cultured, and that 'reading' might not equate to 'finishing' a book. This led to speculation that the true numbers of non-readers might be significantly higher.
Defining 'Reading' Broadly
A recurring theme was the narrow definition of 'reading' implied by the statistics (focused on books). Commenters argued that daily activities like reading news articles, technical documentation, emails, and websites constitute significant acts of reading that are overlooked. There was also discussion about whether audiobooks, which are covered in the report, fully 'count' as reading in the traditional sense, highlighting the evolving nature of content consumption.
Surprise, Expectation, and Literacy Levels
Reactions to the '2 in 5 Americans didn't read a single book' statistic were mixed. Some users found this number surprisingly low, expecting a much higher percentage of non-readers given modern distractions. Others found the statistic entirely unsurprising or even expected it to be worse. The discussion also touched upon functional illiteracy rates, raising questions about the actual capability of a significant portion of the population to read full books.