The top 10 U.S. states with the best average credit scores.

The top 10 U.S. states with the best average credit scores.
The top 10 U.S. states with the best average credit scores.

On average, Minnesota residents have a higher credit score than the average American.

For the third consecutive year, Minnesota residents have the highest credit scores in the U.S., with an average VantageScore credit score of 726, according to a recent report from WalletHub. On the other hand, Mississippi residents have the lowest average credit score of 672, but both the highest and lowest average scores are considered "good" based on VantageScore's model.

One factor that contributes to higher credit scores among Minnesota residents is their relatively low average credit card balances compared to the rest of the U.S., according to Bankrate.

High credit utilization rates can negatively impact VantageScores.

Consistent on-time payments likely boost credit scores in Minnesota, which has one of the lowest average credit card delinquency rates in the country, according to a separate WalletHub report.

Here's a look at the average credit score in every state.

  • Alabama: 680
  • Alaska: 705
  • Arizona: 698
  • Arkansas: 683
  • California: 705
  • Colorado: 714
  • Connecticut: 711
  • Delaware: 701
  • Florida: 694
  • Georgia: 682
  • Hawaii: 715
  • Idaho: 715
  • Illinois: 705
  • Indiana: 698
  • Iowa: 714
  • Kansas: 707
  • Kentucky: 689
  • Louisiana: 677
  • Maine: 715
  • Maryland: 701
  • Massachusetts: 718
  • Michigan: 704
  • Minnesota: 726
  • Mississippi: 672
  • Missouri: 700
  • Montana: 715
  • Nebraska: 714
  • Nevada: 687
  • New Hampshire: 723
  • New Jersey: 710
  • New Mexico: 690
  • New York: 706
  • North Carolina: 696
  • North Dakota: 717
  • Ohio: 701
  • Oklahoma: 683
  • Oregon: 715
  • Pennsylvania: 708
  • Rhode Island: 709
  • South Carolina: 688
  • South Dakota: 718
  • Tennessee: 692
  • Texas: 680
  • Utah: 712
  • Vermont: 722
  • Virginia: 708
  • Washington: 718
  • West Virginia: 689
  • Wisconsin: 720
  • Wyoming: 708

Your credit score doesn't have to be perfect

Earning the best financial benefits is not dependent on having an 850 credit score. However, if you improve your score to the "excellent" range, you can obtain the most advantageous interest rates from lenders. To achieve this, you need a FICO score of at least 800 and a VantageScore of at least 781, as per Experian.

Improving your credit score is achievable by paying your credit card bills on time and keeping your balances low, according to financial experts.

"Despite a poor credit score, time can help improve it, according to Abdul A. Rasheed, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, who stated in WalletHub's average credit score report. In just three years, with good financial management, you can get back on track."

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Your credit utilization rate is a big part of your credit score—here's how to calculate it
by Cheyenne DeVon

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