The States With The Worst (And Best) Credit Scores

The average credit score in the United States hovers around 680.

A credit score shy of 680 is considered fair, and means most Americans have reasonably decent credit. A good credit score is important because it secures loans and credit cards with reasonable interest rates. A poor credit score can leave necessary purchases out of reach, or trap consumers in a cycle of debt.

However, a strong credit score is more than just about loans or how much your Amex bill is. For better or worse, credit scores are also used to measure how reliably you pay your bills. Poor credit can keep you from renting a place and even securing a job in some cases.

However, not all states have the same financial stability. We found the average credit score in each state, to highlight the states in dire need of some credit repair and which states are saving huge when it comes to interest rates.

The States With The Worst Credit Scores

Notice a trend? Southern states have a credit problem. 6 Southern states make have some of the worst credit scores in the nation. Throw in three southwestern states and it’s easy to see some regions as a whole are stuck with larger interest payments– or without access to credit at all.

How We Determined This

The average credit score in each state comes from Experian. This credit score is the VantageScore and not as in depth as an official credit report. Sadly, Texas is excluded from this list and our rankings.

Keep reading to see a highlight of the states with the worst credit scores in the nation, or jump to the bottom to see where all 50 states stand.

1. Mississippi

Average VantageScore: 647
Average Credit Card Balance: $5,421

Mississippi is used to being the worst state in the nation for a CVS receipt length list of dubious honors. Mississippi can now add “worst credit score” to the list. Unfortunately, that means folks in Mississippi on average have a credit score of 647.

2. Louisiana

Average VantageScore: 650
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,074

Louisiana has the 2nd lowest credit scores on average in the nation. Why are credit scores so low? It might have something to do with the high average credit debt of $6,074. Combine that with the low median income in Louisiana and it’s easy to see some folks in the Bayou state could do with putting down the plastic.

3. Alabama

Average VantageScore: 654
Average Credit Card Balance: $5,961

Alabama residents have the third lowest credit score in the nation, a paltry 654. Residents on the low side will find themselves paying more in interest every payment and getting less advantageous loans.

3. Georgia

Average VantageScore: 654
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,675

In addition to the third lowest credit scores, Georgia has the 9th highest credit card debt in the nation. That is an unpleasant financial combination.

5. Nevada

Average VantageScore: 655
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,401

Nevada is home to Las Vegas, the gambling and entertainment capital of the US. Judging from the credit score, people might need to gamble a little less- and work on building their credit score instead.

6. Oklahoma

Average VantageScore: 656
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,296

In 6th place is Oklahoma. Oklahoma residents have an average 656 credit score and $6,296 of credit card debt.

7. Arkansas

Average VantageScore: 657
Average Credit Card Balance: $5,660

While Arkansas has comparatively low credit card debt, their overall credit situation could still use some work.

8. South Carolina

Average VantageScore: 657
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,157

South Carolina is the 6th southern state to make our list. South Carolina residents, on average, have a credit score of 657.

9. West Virginia

Average VantageScore: 658
Average Credit Card Balance: $5,547

In 9th place is West Virginia. West Virginian residents have an average 658 credit score and $5,547 of credit card debt.

10. New Mexico

Average VantageScore: 659
Average Credit Card Balance: $6,317

Rounding out our list in 10th place is New Mexico. Residents of this southwestern state on average have a credit score of 659.

Your Credit Score Matters

Your credit score can make a big difference in your access to loans, credit, and the interest rate you pay for receiving them. Ultimately, folks in the ten states above on average are dealing with weaker credit scores. Where in the nation are the highest credit scores found? In Minnesota.

However, these are averages. Many people in Mississippi have superb credit and some in Minnesota no doubt have horrible credit. Regardless of your state credit, you can take positive individual steps to improve or maintain your credit score.

After all, poor credit can cost you thousands in interest, living opportunities, and might even just keep you from your dream job.

You can see our full list of all states except Texas below.

States With The Best And Worst Credit Scores

Rank	State	Average Vantagescore	Average Credit Card Balance
1	Mississippi	647	$5,421
2	Louisiana	650	$6,074
3	Alabama	654	$5,961
3	Georgia	654	$6,675
5	Nevada	655	$6,401
6	Oklahoma	656	$6,296
7	Arkansas	657	$5,660
7	South Carolina	657	$6,157
9	West Virginia	658	$5,547
10	New Mexico	659	$6,317
11	Tennessee	662	$5,975
12	Kentucky	663	$5,555
13	Indiana	667	$5,581
14	Alaska	668	$8,516
14	Florida	668	$6,388
16	Arizona	669	$6,389
17	District of Columbia	670	$6,963
18	Delaware	672	$6,336
18	Maryland	672	$7,043
20	Missouri	675	$5,897
21	Michigan	677	$5,622
22	Ohio	678	$5,843
22	Wyoming	678	$6,245
24	California	680	$6,481
24	Kansas	680	$6,082
24	Virginia	680	$7,161
27	Idaho	681	$5,817
28	Illinois	683	$6,410
28	Utah	683	$5,960
30	New Jersey	686	$7,151
30	North Carolina	686	$6,117
32	Pennsylvania	687	$6,146
32	Rhode Island	687	$6,375
34	Colorado	688	$6,718
34	New York	688	$6,671
34	Oregon	688	$6,012
37	Maine	689	$5,784
37	Montana	689	$5,845
39	Connecticut	690	$7,258
40	Hawaii	693	$6,981
40	Washington	693	$6,592
42	Iowa	695	$5,155
42	Nebraska	695	$5,630
44	Wisconsin	696	$5,363
45	North Dakota	697	$5,511
46	Massachusetts	699	$6,327
47	South Dakota	700	$5,692
48	New Hampshire	701	$6,490
49	Vermont	702	$5,924
50	Minnesota	709	$5,911

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Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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