For years, we’ve heard that Americans are hopelessly mired in debt, leaving many to struggle with poor credit scores. But in fact, those scores are now on the upswing, according to data analytics company FICO.
In August 2021, the average U.S. FICO Score 8 — the company’s most widely used credit score — was eight points higher than at the same point in 2020. Scores are rising in all 50 states and in the 33 metropolitan areas evaluated by FICO.
FICO says a number of positive behavioral trends have sent scores higher, including:
- Fewer delinquent accounts
- Lower levels of consumer debt
- Fewer consumers heavily using their credit cards
Consumers in a handful of states are leading the way, according to a recently released FICO analysis. Following are the states where average credit scores are the highest.
10. Nebraska (tie)
Average FICO score: 733
Nebraskans quietly go about their business without fanfare. But don’t mistake this lack of boasting for financial passivity.
In fact, Nebraska’s economy is chugging along, with a microscopic 1.9% unemployment rate in October 2021 — the lowest in the nation.
Apparently, the state’s residents are working too hard to get into credit trouble, earning them a spot on this list.
10. Hawaii (tie)
Average FICO score: 733
Despite a high cost of living and elevated debt levels, residents of Hawaii keep their credit scores healthier than those of many consumers on the mainland.
A couple of years ago, the state’s government reported that while Hawaiians carry more credit card debt than other Americans, they manage it better and have a significantly lower delinquency rate than consumers in other parts of the country.
8. Washington
Average FICO score: 734
For the second straight year, U.S. News & World Report named Washington the best state in the nation. The publication praised Washington for having the country’s fastest-growing economy.
A booming economy keeps a lid on credit troubles, helping Washington to land on this list.
7. Massachusetts (tie)
Average FICO score: 735
Massachusetts just recorded its sixth straight quarter of economic growth. That beats the nation as a whole, which has seen four straight quarters of positive movement.
A plethora of good-paying jobs keeps people out of credit trouble, resulting in the Bay State’s appearance on this list.
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7. New Hampshire (tie)
Average FICO score: 735
New Hampshire’s motto of “Live Free or Die” apparently extends to living free of credit woes. The state has a low credit card delinquency rate and the lowest poverty rate in the nation, says 24/7 Wall St.
7. South Dakota (tie)
Average FICO score: 735
Like Nebraska, South Dakota’s under-the-radar reputation masks a lot of financial moxie. In fact, the Washington Post recently dubbed the state “the new Cayman Islands for banks and finance,” thanks to tax-friendly — and controversial — laws that attract hordes of money from global elites.
The state’s residents are pretty financially savvy too, with credit scores that rank among the nation’s very best.
4. North Dakota (tie)
Average FICO score: 736
North Dakota just edges out its neighbor to the south when it comes to average credit scores.
Nearly 90% of North Dakota’s land and one-fifth of its workforce are devoted to agriculture. Perhaps all that hard work on the farm keeps the state’s residents out of credit trouble.
4. Wisconsin (tie)
Average FICO score: 736
Folks in the Midwest have a reputation for being sensible, which might account for Wisconsin’s place on this list.
Late last year, CreditCards.com reported that Wisconsin had the third-lowest credit card burden among all U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
2. Vermont
Average FICO score: 738
Vermont is famous for its foods — maple syrup, cheddar cheese and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. It also has a solid reputation as a place where people know how to manage their spending.
The credit card delinquency rate here is a scanty 2.65%, according to 24/7 Wall St.
1. Minnesota
Average FICO score: 742
Minnesotans are a hearty bunch. With average high temperatures barely topping 20 degrees Fahrenheit in January, perhaps it’s too cold to live high off the hog.
Whatever the case may be, the state’s residents clearly are doing something right. Minnesota — which typically ranks high in terms of the economy and education — is No. 1 in the nation with an average credit score of 742. You betcha!
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