The average credit score across the entire United States was 714 in 2021, according to Experian’s State of Credit Study. The data is based on the FICO scores, which generates credit scores on a range from 300 to 850. While higher credit scores are obviously better, breaking down the credit score into brackets brings more clarity to specific credit score numbers.
FICO Score Rating Categories
800-850: Exceptional740-799: Very Good670-739: Good580-669: Fair<580: Very poor
State Averages
Minnesota has the highest average credit score at 742. Mississippi has the lowest average credit score at 681. The rest of the top 10 states with the highest average credit score are: Vermont (736), Wisconsin (735), New Hampshire (734), Washington (734), North Dakota (733), South Dakota (733), Massachusetts (732), Nebraska (731), and Oregon (731). These credit scores are all considered prime or near prime on the FICO scale. Consumers with prime credit scores often have an easier time getting approved for credit and will receive more favorable terms when they’re approved. The other nine states with the lowest average credit scores are Louisiana (689), Alabama (691), Oklahoma (692), Texas (692), Georgia (693), Arkansas (694), South Carolina (693), New Mexico (699) and West Virginia (699). Only information directly related to your borrowing and payment habits is included in your credit score. For example, payment history is 35% of your FICO score. Another way to look at it is that generations X and Y include those aged 24 to 53, or those in their prime working years. The oldest members of Generation Z are just joining the workforce, while the youngest Baby Boomers are nearing retirement, and the Silent Generation is retired for the most part.
Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
You can work toward improving your credit score no matter where you live. Since payment history is the biggest factor influencing your credit score, paying your bills on time is the best thing you can do to improve your credit score. Catch up on past due accounts and take care of debt collections. Minimize the amount of credit you’re using. Having high credit card balances also will bring down your credit score. While it’s easier on the budget to pay just the minimum on your credit cards each month, that’s not the best thing for your credit. Work on paying down your credit card balances to below 30% of the credit limit. The lower the better. Maintaining extremely low credit card balances will help boost your credit score. This shows lenders that you can handle credit responsibly and not allow it to get out of control. Apply for new credit only as needed. While each new credit card will ding your credit a little, the real harm in opening several credit cards is the risk of running up large balances and missing payments. Minimize the number of credit cards you apply for. Monitor your credit score using a free credit scoring service like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or WalletHub. You can stay up to date on changes to your credit score and learn the factors influencing your credit score. You also should review your full credit report each year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check your credit report to be sure all the information is accurate and dispute any errors with the credit bureaus. An accurate credit report is also key to improving your credit score.
