Personal Finance News
WalletHub Reveals Average Credit Score by State for 2026
The personal finance site WalletHub has released its latest look at which U.S. states have the highest and lowest average credit scores.
About WalletHub’s 2026 Credit Score by State Report
Each year, WalletHub shares a look at which states have the best and worst credit. To compile this list, the site looked at the average scores of residents in each of the 50 states (Washington D.C. was excluded, as were other U.S. territories), utilizing data from TransUnion. This snapshot of scores was also captured in October of last year.
Topping the list this time was Minnesota with an average score of 723. The North Star State narrowly edged out second-place New Hampshire’s 721 average and Vermont’s 720 score. Rounding out the top five were Wisconsin (718) and Washington (716).
Turning to the other side of the list, Mississippi was found to have the lowest average credit score. Residents of the Magnolia State averaged a 669. They were followed by nearby Louisiana and Alabama with averages of 673 and 677, respectively. Texas (677) and Georgia (678) also appeared near the bottom of the rankings.
With the exception of Mississippi (which missed out by one single point), each of these states’ averages fall into FICO’s definitions of “Good” credit. According to the company, scores between 670 and 739 fit this title, while scores between 740 and 799 are considered “Very Good” and “Exceptional” scores are defined as those reaching 800 to 850.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on the report, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted why some of the states at the top of the list perform well, stating, “Moving to one of the top states may help you increase your own credit score, as they tend to have high average incomes, low unemployment rates and other positive economic factors that make it easier for residents to pay their creditors on time and limit their borrowing.”
My Thoughts:
It’s always interesting to see how these average credit scores stack up. But what’s really interesting is seeing the graphic itself and noticing that the shading lightens as you move south and east (with a few exceptions to this pattern, of course). To me, it’s fascinating insight.
As for how those in any state can improve their credit, I’d recommend starting with tools such as AnnualCreditReport.com, which allow you to download your credit reports for free and review them for errors. Similarly, Credit Karma and WalletHub (yes, the site that put out this report in the first place) are both great free tools that give you a better idea of where you stand in terms of credit and provide tips for what actions you can take to increase your scores.
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