Average Credit Score by State
Your state average gives context. Your own credit report decides the rate, limit, deposit, approval, or denial when it is time to apply.
Check Your Credit OptionsEducational only. No approval or score increase is guaranteed.
Average credit scores vary by state, but the habits that build credit are still personal.
Quick Answer
Average credit score by state ranges from 741 in Minnesota to 677 in Mississippi based on Experian’s 2025 FICO Score state data. The national average FICO Score was 713 in Experian’s 2025 data, while FICO reported the national average dipped to 714 in Spring 2026.
The big takeaway: state averages are useful for comparison, but they do not decide your next approval. Your payment history, credit card utilization, report accuracy, debt load, and recent applications matter more. A state average tells you where the crowd is. Your credit report tells lenders whether you are a safe bet.
Start Here: Do Not Let the State Average Judge You
Most people come here for one reason: they want to know if their score is normal. The state table helps, but it does not tell your whole story. A lower-than-average score can still be fixable. A higher-than-average score can still get expensive if balances are too high.
Find the cause before applying again.
Focus on utilization and payment history before chasing points.
Protect the habits that got you there.
How to Use This Page Without Overthinking It
Your state average is a comparison tool. It should not make you feel proud enough to ignore problems or discouraged enough to quit. Use it to locate yourself, then move into action.
Look at your state average and the national average. Do not stop there.
Find the reason behind your number: payments, balances, age of credit, or errors.
Make the next move that lowers risk before your next application.
What You’ll Learn
National Credit Score Context
Before you compare your score to your state, know the national numbers.
| Source / model | Recent average | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Experian FICO Score | 713 in 2025 | The national average fell two points from 2024. |
| FICO national average | 714 in Spring 2026 | Still in good range, but under pressure. |
| VantageScore 4.0 | 700 in December 2025 | Another model showing consumer-credit softness. |
The State Score Snapshot
FICO, VantageScore, and Why Your App May Look Different
One of the most confusing parts of credit is that you may see different scores in different places. That does not always mean anything is wrong.
A lender may use a FICO version. A free app may show VantageScore. Another app may use a different bureau or a different update date. So instead of obsessing over one number, watch the direction.
| What you see | Why it may differ | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| FICO Score | Often used in lending, but versions vary. | Use it as a serious benchmark. |
| VantageScore | Common in free score tools and educational dashboards. | Use it to watch trend direction. |
| Different bureau scores | Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion may not show identical data. | Check all reports if something looks off. |
Average Credit Score by State: All 50 States
Use this table as a benchmark, not a personal judgment.
What This Table Shows
Many states moved down from 2024 to 2025, which matches national pressure.
A high state average does not mean every borrower has easy approvals.
Lenders do not approve your state. They review your report.
| # | State | 2025 Avg. FICO | 2024 Avg. FICO | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 689 | 692 | -3 |
| 2 | Alaska | 720 | 722 | -2 |
| 3 | Arizona | 709 | 712 | -3 |
| 4 | Arkansas | 693 | 695 | -2 |
| 5 | California | 721 | 722 | -1 |
| 6 | Colorado | 729 | 731 | -2 |
| 7 | Connecticut | 724 | 726 | -2 |
| 8 | Delaware | 713 | 714 | -1 |
| 9 | Florida | 704 | 707 | -3 |
| 10 | Georgia | 692 | 695 | -3 |
| 11 | Hawaii | 730 | 732 | -2 |
| 12 | Idaho | 729 | 730 | -1 |
| 13 | Illinois | 720 | 720 | +0 |
| 14 | Indiana | 710 | 712 | -2 |
| 15 | Iowa | 728 | 730 | -2 |
| 16 | Kansas | 720 | 722 | -2 |
| 17 | Kentucky | 704 | 705 | -1 |
| 18 | Louisiana | 686 | 690 | -4 |
| 19 | Maine | 731 | 731 | +0 |
| 20 | Maryland | 714 | 715 | -1 |
| 21 | Massachusetts | 731 | 732 | -1 |
| 22 | Michigan | 717 | 719 | -2 |
| 23 | Minnesota | 741 | 742 | -1 |
| 24 | Mississippi | 677 | 680 | -3 |
| 25 | Missouri | 712 | 714 | -2 |
| 26 | Montana | 730 | 732 | -2 |
| 27 | Nebraska | 728 | 731 | -3 |
| 28 | Nevada | 699 | 701 | -2 |
| 29 | New Hampshire | 735 | 736 | -1 |
| 30 | New Jersey | 722 | 724 | -2 |
| 31 | New Mexico | 701 | 702 | -1 |
| 32 | New York | 719 | 721 | -2 |
| 33 | North Carolina | 707 | 709 | -2 |
| 34 | North Dakota | 730 | 733 | -3 |
| 35 | Ohio | 713 | 716 | -3 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | 693 | 696 | -3 |
| 37 | Oregon | 730 | 732 | -2 |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | 720 | 722 | -2 |
| 39 | Rhode Island | 719 | 721 | -2 |
| 40 | South Carolina | 699 | 700 | -1 |
| 41 | South Dakota | 731 | 734 | -3 |
| 42 | Tennessee | 703 | 706 | -3 |
| 43 | Texas | 692 | 695 | -3 |
| 44 | Utah | 728 | 730 | -2 |
| 45 | Vermont | 737 | 737 | +0 |
| 46 | Virginia | 721 | 723 | -2 |
| 47 | Washington | 734 | 735 | -1 |
| 48 | West Virginia | 699 | 702 | -3 |
| 49 | Wisconsin | 737 | 738 | -1 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 722 | 725 | -3 |
Highest and Lowest Average Credit Score States
State rankings can be useful, but they can also trick you. A person with a 690 score may feel “behind” in Minnesota and “above average” in Mississippi. Same score. Different comparison. Same need: understand what is inside the report.
Top 10 highest states
- Minnesota: 741
- Vermont: 737
- Wisconsin: 737
- New Hampshire: 735
- Washington: 734
- Maine: 731
- Massachusetts: 731
- South Dakota: 731
- Hawaii: 730
- Montana: 730
Lowest 10 states
- Mississippi: 677
- Louisiana: 686
- Alabama: 689
- Georgia: 692
- Texas: 692
- Arkansas: 693
- Oklahoma: 693
- Nevada: 699
- South Carolina: 699
- West Virginia: 699
The kitchen-table version
You open your score and see 690. If you compare it to the wrong thing, you may panic or relax too soon.
Instead, ask: are my payments current, are my card balances too high, and is anything wrong on my reports?
Same Score, Different Reality
This is where averages can fool people. Two people can have the same score and very different approval odds.
Profile A: 705 and stable
Payments are current. Card balances are low. No recent late payments. Few hard credit checks.
This file may look stronger than the score alone suggests.
Profile B: 705 and stretched
Cards are close to the limit. Two recent applications. Minimum payments only.
Same score, but the file may look riskier.
Profile C: 680 after a late payment
The score may be near or above some state averages, but the recent late payment can hurt confidence.
Profile D: 680 with one high balance
If the main issue is credit card utilization, improvement may be possible once the balance reports lower.
The score is the headline. The report is the story.
That is why the next move should match the cause. A high-balance problem needs a balance plan. A late-payment problem needs payment protection. An error needs a dispute and documentation.
Why Average Credit Scores Vary by State
Credit scores are not based on your state. But your state can affect the financial pressure around you.
Local factors that can influence averages
- Housing costs
- Local wages
- Insurance costs
- Debt levels
- Delinquency trends
Personal habits that matter more
- Paying on time
- Keeping credit card utilization low
- Checking reports for errors
- Avoiding unnecessary applications
- Protecting older healthy accounts
What Usually Moves Your Score
What Your Score Range Means Before You Apply
State averages help you compare. Score ranges help you plan. Before applying, match your score range to the likely risk.
| Score range | How it may feel | Best move before applying |
|---|---|---|
| Below 580 | Approvals may be difficult or expensive. | Protect current payments and check for errors or collections. |
| 580–669 | You may qualify, but terms can be costly. | Lower balances and avoid rushed applications. |
| 670–739 | Often considered good credit. | Keep utilization low and compare terms carefully. |
| 740+ | Stronger offers may be possible. | Protect the habits and avoid unnecessary debt. |
What a Lender Sees That a State Average Cannot Show
A state average can tell you where your neighbors stand. It cannot tell a lender whether you pay on time, carry heavy balances, or opened too many accounts recently.
Do you pay on time now, not just last year?
Are cards close to their limits or under control?
Have you recently applied several times while searching for approval?
What To Do If Your Score Is Below Your State Average
You do not need shame. You need a clean first move.
Look for wrong balances, old errors, unknown accounts, and late payments.
Cards near the limit can drag a score down fast.
Current payments matter more than looking average.
Do not add hard credit checks while guessing.
Use your state average as a map marker.
Then focus on your own file. That is what lenders actually see.
Before You Apply Below Your State Average
Do this first so one application does not become more denials, higher APRs, or avoidable hard credit checks.
Look for errors, old late payments, and unknown accounts.
Cards near the limit can pull down a score fast.
Wait if a balance is about to report lower.
Approval is not a win if the APR and fees are too high.
Your 30-Day Credit Score Action Plan
You cannot control your state average. You can control the next 30 days.
Days 1–3
Check reports and list any errors, late payments, high balances, or accounts you do not recognize.
Days 4–10
Protect due dates. Turn on reminders or autopay for minimum payments if it fits your budget.
Days 11–20
Target the card closest to its limit. Even a smaller paydown can help your file look less stretched.
Days 21–30
Pause new applications unless there is a clear reason and the terms make sense.
Red Flags to Fix Before Comparing Yourself Again
- A card is close to the limit.
- A payment was recently late.
- You applied for several products in a short period.
- You see an account or balance you do not recognize.
Green Flags That Can Help Your File
- Every current account is paid on time.
- Credit card balances are moving down.
- Old healthy accounts are still open.
- You know the likely cost before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average credit score by state?
Experian’s 2025 state data shows Minnesota highest at 741 and Mississippi lowest at 677. The national average FICO Score was 713 in 2025.
Which state has the highest average credit score?
Minnesota had the highest average FICO Score in Experian’s 2025 state data, at 741.
Which state has the lowest average credit score?
Mississippi had the lowest average FICO Score in Experian’s 2025 state data, at 677.
Is my credit score bad if it is below my state average?
Not automatically. Compare your score to standard score ranges first. Then check what is causing the difference.
Why do state averages differ?
State averages can reflect local cost of living, wages, debt levels, payment patterns, and delinquency pressure. But individual habits still matter most.
What is the national average credit score?
Experian reported a 2025 national average FICO Score of 713. FICO reported the national average dipped to 714 in Spring 2026. VantageScore reported an average of 700 in December 2025.
Can I improve my score quickly?
Sometimes, especially if high credit card utilization or an error is the main issue. Late payments and serious negative marks usually take longer.
Does checking my own credit hurt my score?
No. Checking your own credit is generally a soft inquiry and does not hurt your score.
Should I apply if I am below average?
Slow down first. Check your reports, balances, recent applications, and likely terms. Approval is not always a win if the APR and fees are too high.
What matters more than state average?
Your payment history, credit card utilization, current debt, recent applications, and report accuracy matter more than your state ranking.
Why is my score different from what a lender sees?
You may be looking at a different scoring model, bureau, version, or update date. Free apps are useful, but they may not match the score a lender uses.
How often should I check my credit?
Check before major applications, after paying down large balances, and anytime you suspect an error or identity issue. Regular checks can help you catch problems early.
Sources Used
This article was reviewed against current consumer-credit sources including Experian average credit score and state data, FICO Spring 2026 average score reporting, VantageScore December 2025 CreditGauge, myFICO credit score ranges, myFICO score factor guidance, and CFPB FICO score explanation.
Before You Choose Your Next Credit Move
Do not let one number push you into a bad decision. Check the full picture first.
Good, fair, or poor matters more than state comparison alone.
High utilization can hurt even when payments are current.
APR, fees, and deposit decide whether approval is worth it.
Know where you stand before you apply.
Your state average gives context. Your own file decides the cost, the limits, and whether the next offer is worth taking.
Check Your Credit OptionsMacy Carson writes practical credit-building and credit-card education guides for AnyCreditWelcome.com. Her work focuses on real-life credit decisions, APRs, utilization, payoff planning, approvals, and avoiding expensive credit mistakes.
Macy is not a licensed financial advisor. Her content is educational and designed to help readers ask better questions before choosing credit products.