As part of the National Adult Literacy Survey in 12 states, approximately 1,250 adults in Iowa were surveyed as representatives of the 2.1 million adults in the state. The aim of the survey was to characterize literacy skills based on performance on diverse tasks that reflect the materials and demands that adults encounter every day. Fourteen to 16 percent of adults in Iowa demonstrated skills in the lowest levels of prose, document, and quantitative proficiencies (Level 1). These adults were less likely to have completed high school compared with state averages. Twenty-two to 27 percent performed at Level 2 on the literacy scale, with 36 to 37 percent performing at Level 3. Twenty-one to 27 percent performed at the highest levels. These proficiencies were comparable to those in other Midwestern states. Numbers were too small to provide estimates by racial and ethnic group. Information is provided on education and training, employment, economic status, civic responsibility, and language-use and literacy practices. Results from Iowa's and other states' surveys indicate that many adults do not display the levels of literacy proficiency needed for success in today's world. Five figures and 75 tables present survey findings. Three appendixes provide technical information. (SLD)