If you’re interested in social capital, take heart from this survey that names Las Vegas, together with Fort Worth, as the equal 44th most literate places in the nation. We were edged out for 43rd spot by Anchorage, Alaska but they have plenty of winter to catch up on their reading.

Cities were ranked according to their booksellers, libraries, educational attainment, newspaper and periodical circulation and Internet resources. The bookseller category boosted Las Vegas’ standing and our newspaper reading also pushed us up a little. (Review-Journal Editor Tom Mitchell may be right about his newspaper ranking as the major media outlet. (Full disclosure: The Business Press and this blog are both owned by Stephens Media, which owns the Review-Journal.)

Even though the Clark County Library system has won national awards, we were far down that list.

Las Vegas came in 41st in two categories: Periodical publication resources (Are they counting Card Player and “entertainer guides” as periodicals?) and, surprise, surprise … education. On that list we ranked ahead of both New York City and Phoenix.

We also fell behind on our Internet connections. That new category probably helped the overall winner, Seattle, into first place.