In a nation celebrated for its diversity and charm, some states stand out for their less-than-friendly reputations. From brusque interactions to a general lack of courtesy, certain regions seem to have mastered the art of rudeness.
This article dives deep into the rankings of America’s rudest states, shedding light on the behaviors that contribute to these perceptions.
Curious about where your state lands on the list? Whether it’s the bustling streets of a big city or the quiet corners of a small town, rudeness can manifest in surprising ways.
Join the journey as we explore the rankings from 1 to 50, revealing which states wear the badge of rudeness and why.
1: Rhode Island
Rhode Island shines for its beautiful seaside towns, but many visitors feel quite the opposite about its residents. A staggering 42% of individuals perceive Rhode Islanders as ruder than those in other states, placing it at the very top of this list.
2: Massachusetts
Massachusetts shares the same rude driver statistic as Rhode Island, with 3.1% of its drivers considered rude. Service workers often face challenges here, as the average tip is only a mediocre 15%.
3: Virginia
In Virginia, driving can be a real hassle. Approximately 5% of Virginia drivers show rude behaviors like tailgating and illegal passing, which earns the state the third spot on our list.
4: New York
New Yorkers are famous for their bustling lives, and it turns out many people perceive them as rude. About 30% of Americans believe New Yorkers display more rudeness than residents of other states, although a decent average tipping rate of 15.6% helps balance their reputation.
5: California
California becomes the first state outside the Northeast to join our list of the rudest states. While its rudeness perception is moderate, the state has a noticeable percentage of rude drivers and a tipping average that’s less than ideal.
6: Washington
In Washington, about 3.1% of drivers contribute to the rude driver statistic. Fortunately for service workers, the state residents more than make up for this with an average tip rate of 16.3%.
7: New Jersey
With 34% of Americans viewing New Jerseyans as rude, it’s no surprise that this state ranks high. Furthermore, a significant 3.6% of New Jersey drivers are reported to display rude behaviors on the road.
8: Utah
Even though Utahns often appear friendly, customer service employees frequently encounter a different side. Reports show that Utah ranks fifth-worst for customers swearing at service representatives.
9: Illinois
Illinois typically mirrors the top ten rudest states trend. With a higher-than-average perception of rudeness and a rude driver rate of 3.1%, it makes the list without hesitation.
10: Ohio
Ohio presents itself as an unpleasant driving environment. Drivers there are often rude, with 4.3% exhibiting poor behavior, despite a relatively high average tipping rate of 16.7%.
11: Connecticut
Connecticut excels in its driving statistics, where only about 2% of drivers are viewed as rude. However, its overall rudeness factors still leave much to be desired.
12: Maryland
Maryland ties with Connecticut for the rude driver percentage while maintaining a tipping rate of 15.9%. Tourists hoping for polite interactions might find a challenge in the Free State.
13: Wyoming
In Wyoming, the tipping average of 16.8% is impressive, yet rude driving habits remain prevalent, with 4% of residents showcasing such behaviors.
14: Oregon
Oregon stays in the 14th position, benefiting from a lower percentage of rude drivers. However, it does have a slightly worse tipping record than Wyoming.
15: South Dakota
With around 3% of South Dakotans engaging in rude driving activities, the state does not come off as particularly rude in general. Many Americans don’t perceive South Dakotans as unfriendly.
16: Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the same rude driver proportion as South Dakota but edges ahead with a slightly better average tipping rate. Despite this, many Americans still view Wisconsinites as rude.
17: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians generally tip service workers at a decent 16.7%. Driving experiences are often smoother with only about 2% of drivers considered rude, yet there remains room for improvement in overall rudeness perception.
18: Florida
Florida ties with two other states for 18th place. Of the three, it boasts the lowest percentage of rude drivers, at only around 2%.
19: Georgia
Georgia matches Florida with a 16.4% average tipping rate. Nevertheless, its rude driver statistic is about double that of Florida.
20: Iowa
Iowa climbs into the tie with Florida and Georgia, sharing a 4% rude driver rate similar to Georgia. It leaps ahead with a generous tipping average of 17%.
21: Michigan
With a tipping average of 16.8%, Michigan enjoys some positives. However, its high perceived rudeness prevents it from ranking lower.
22: Tennessee
In Tennessee, the tipping average stands at 15.9%, lower than its neighboring states. The 2% rude driver percentage means its overall ranking is surprisingly high.
23: Alaska
Alaska offers an impressive average tipping rate of 17.1%. About 3% of residents display rude driving behaviors, which somewhat tarnishes its image.
24: Colorado
Colorado’s tipping average of 16.6% appears modest at first. Nevertheless, roughly 3% of the state’s drivers display rudeness, keeping it on the list.
25: Idaho
Idaho surprises with the highest tipping average in the U.S. at 17.4%. Unfortunately, 4% of drivers can be rude, keeping it in the middle of this ranking.
26: Nevada
Nevada surprises as the first state with only 1% of rude drivers. There’s a tipping average of 16.6%, but perceptions of rudeness still hold back the state.
27: Kansas
Kansas positions itself as a moderate contender in rudeness. With a 3% rude driver rate, it performs decently in this ranking overall.
28: Indiana
Indiana ranks slightly above average for state rudeness. Its driver rudeness statistic is at 2%, while the tipping rate is a respectable 17.1%.
29: Hawaii
In Hawaii, the perceived rudeness is low, contributing to its favorable ranking. The tipping average falls at 14.8%, while 60% of Hawaiians believe their state is more polite.
30: Missouri
Missouri ties with two other states for placement. Among those, it has the lowest average tipping percentage and a moderate 2% rude driver statistic.
31: New Mexico
New Mexico benefits from only 1% of its residents being rude drivers. However, it doesn’t rank well for perceived rudeness in general, despite a decent tipping rate of 16.9%.
32: North Dakota
North Dakota has a 3% rude driver rate. With a 16.8% average tipping rate and decent overall scores in other categories, it stays above the rudest rankings.
33: Montana
Montana enjoys lower rudeness perceptions. With only about 2% of the residents displaying rude driving patterns, it maintains a favorable reputation.
34: Oklahoma
Oklahoma residents tip generously with an average of 16.8%. The proportion of rude drivers stays around the median.
35: Texas
Texas manages to uphold the notion that “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” including a decent tipping averaging 16.6%. The data indicates average performance metrics in other rudeness categories.
36: Arizona
With an impressive tipping average of 17.3%, Arizona stands out among states. Roughly 2% of Arizonans demonstrate rude driving.
37: New Hampshire
New Hampshire occupies an enviable position on the list with relatively little rudeness. The state has moderate driving behaviors, which makes it appealing for road trips.
38: West Virginia
West Virginia matches Arizona with a tipping rate of 17.3%. Also, this state shines with only 1% of its residents displaying rude driving.
39: Nebraska
Nebraska hits a 3% rude driver statistic. Nonetheless, its reputation remains decent due to low perceived rudeness and minimal swearing at customer service agents.
40: Alabama
Alabama is yet another state tied for placement. With an average tipping rate of 16.6%, it also carries a low perception of rudeness.
41: Delaware
Delaware displays greater variability than Alabama, with a rude driver percentage of 4%. Despite this, the state maintains a high tipping average of 17.2%.
42: Maine
Maine excels with only 1% of rude drivers. While its tipping average falls slightly short at 16.2%, it avoids the top ten of the rudest states.
43: Louisiana
Louisiana emerges as the 8th least rude state in the U.S. All rudeness categories favor the Pelican State, inviting tourists to visit with fewer concerns over unfriendly behavior.
44: Minnesota
Even with a 16% average tipping rate that seems low, Minnesota excels in other rudeness metrics. Its overall standing remains favorable.
45: South Carolina
Known for its southern charm, South Carolina enjoys low rudeness perceptions from other Americans. A 16.7% tipping average solidifies its status as a polite state.
46: Kentucky
Kentucky sees a similar rude driver percentage and tipping average as the least rude state. Perceptions of rudeness, however, keep it in a lower ranking.
47: Vermont
Vermont boasts a mere 1% of rude drivers, thanks to its overall courteous nature. Despite a lower tipping rate of 16%, it ranks well due to other rudeness metrics.
48: North Carolina
North Carolina keeps the rudeness to a minimum, as residents display very few rude behaviors. The state also has some of the highest tipping averages around.
49: Arkansas
Arkansas has quite a reputation for being polite, landing it as the second-least rude state nationwide. With only 2% of rude drivers, the rest of the metrics are strong.
50: Mississippi
Mississippi, known as the Magnolia State, enjoys a reputation for politeness among its residents. With strong performances in various rudeness categories, it secures the title for the least rude state in the U.S.
Alicia Richards