What is the Average Credit Score by State?

August 21, 2024 | 4 min read

Credit Saint

Written By:

Credit Saint

Ashley Davison

Reviewed By:

Ashley Davison

Average credit scores by state range from 741 in Minnesota to 677 in Mississippi, based on Experian’s 2025 data. See where your state ranks and get tips for improving your credit score no matter where you live.


According to Experian, the average FICO Score in the United States was 713 in 2025, down two points from 2024. FICO’s own 2026 reports put the national average at 714. The average VantageScore 4.0 was 701 as of September 2026.

Overall, Americans have good credit. Minnesota has the highest average score at 741, the only state with a “Very Good” average (740 or higher). Mississippi has the lowest at 677, which still falls in the “Good” range.

This page uses Experian’s average FICO Score data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, published in March 2026. Read on to see which states have the best and worst average credit scores, and get tips for improving your score no matter where you live.

Key Takeaways
  • The average FICO® Score in the U.S. fell two points to 713 in 2025, according to Experian.
  • Minnesota has the highest average credit score at 741.
  • Mississippi has the lowest at 677.
  • There is a 64-point difference between the highest average credit score and the lowest.

 

What is a good credit score?

Generally, a credit score above 670 is widely recognized by many lenders as a reliable indicator of good creditworthiness.

A good credit score demonstrates to lenders that you are a dependable borrower. Each lender sets its own standards for what it considers a good credit score and determines how to apply this score, along with other information, during the loan approval process.

Having good credit matters most when you’re making big money moves, like securing a home or auto loan, renting an apartment, applying for a credit card, or getting insurance coverage. Good credit can lead to more favorable interest rates and lower monthly payments.

It’s good to know where you stand so you can plan for building or repairing your credit if needed.

4.8 stars on4.8 (15,607+ reviews)

Average credit scores by state

 

States with the highest and lowest average credit scores

The 10 highest average credit scores by state (12 states, because four states tie at 730) are:

  • Minnesota: 741
  • Vermont: 737
  • Wisconsin: 737
  • New Hampshire: 735
  • Washington: 734
  • Maine: 731
  • Massachusetts: 731
  • South Dakota: 731
  • Hawaii: 730
  • Montana: 730
  • North Dakota: 730
  • Oregon: 730

The bottom 10 states with the lowest average credit scores include:

  • Mississippi: 677
  • Louisiana: 686
  • Alabama: 689
  • Georgia: 692
  • Texas: 692
  • Arkansas: 693
  • Oklahoma: 693
  • Nevada: 699
  • South Carolina: 699
  • West Virginia: 699

Best and worst average credit score rankings by state

Below is the full list of average FICO Scores by state for 2025, using the most recent data from Experian®.

Rank State Average FICO Score (2025)
1 Minnesota 741
2 Vermont 737
2 Wisconsin 737
4 New Hampshire 735
5 Washington 734
6 Maine 731
6 Massachusetts 731
6 South Dakota 731
9 Hawaii 730
9 Montana 730
9 North Dakota 730
9 Oregon 730
13 Colorado 729
13 Idaho 729
15 Iowa 728
15 Nebraska 728
15 Utah 728
18 Connecticut 724
19 New Jersey 722
19 Wyoming 722
21 California 721
21 Virginia 721
23 Alaska 720
23 Illinois 720
23 Kansas 720
23 Pennsylvania 720
27 New York 719
27 Rhode Island 719
29 Michigan 717
30 Maryland 714
31 Delaware 713
31 Ohio 713
33 Missouri 712
34 District of Columbia 711
35 Indiana 710
36 Arizona 709
37 North Carolina 707
38 Florida 704
38 Kentucky 704
40 Tennessee 703
41 New Mexico 701
42 Nevada 699
42 South Carolina 699
42 West Virginia 699
45 Arkansas 693
45 Oklahoma 693
47 Georgia 692
47 Texas 692
49 Alabama 689
50 Louisiana 686
51 Mississippi 677

Source: Experian, 2025 data published March 2026. Ties share a rank.

 

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit score doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple habits that can help your score over time:

  • Pay Promptly: The most important thing is to always pay on time. Your payment history affects your score the most.
  • Lower Balances: Try to keep your credit card balances low and use only a small part of your credit limit.
  • Open Carefully: Don’t open several new credit accounts at the same time; it can lower your credit score.
  • Maintain History: Keep old credit accounts open to show a longer credit history, which helps your score.
  • Check Regularly: Check your credit report for mistakes now and then, and fix any errors you see.

Sticking to these habits can help you improve your credit score over time and strengthen your overall financial health.

Remember, a better credit score can open doors to lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms in the future.

Methodology

Average FICO Score data for each state and the District of Columbia comes from Experian (2025 data, published March 2026). National averages come from Experian, FICO and VantageScore, as linked above.

Fair Use Statement: You can share this page for noncommercial purposes so others can see credit score averages across America. Please link back to this page so readers can see the full list.

Bottom Line on Average Credit Scores by State

Average credit scores by state range from 741 in Minnesota to 677 in Mississippi, a 64-point gap, based on Experian’s 2025 data. Wherever you live, the same habits help your score: pay on time, keep card balances low, avoid opening many new accounts at once and check your credit reports for errors.

Ashley Davison

Reviewed By:

Ashley Davison

Editor

Ashley is currently the Chief Compliance Officer for Credit Saint, previously the Chief Operating Officer. Ashley got into the Financial world by working as a Logistics Coordinator at Ernst & Young. Coming from a previous career in education, she is eager to teach the world everything she knows and learn everything that she doesn’t! Ashley is a FICO® certified professional, a Board Certified Credit Consultant, a Certified Credit Score Consultant with the Credit Consultants Association of America, UDAAP certified, and holds a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance Certificate.