Explore the rudest states in America ranked from 1 to 50, uncovering which states have the highest levels of rudeness based on driving behavior, tipping habits, and public perception.
This detailed ranking reveals surprising trends across the country, highlighting states like Rhode Island at the top for rudeness and Mississippi as the friendliest.
Whether you’re a traveler or resident, understanding where rudeness is most common can help you prepare for your next visit or appreciate the states known for their politeness.
Dive into the full list to see how your state ranks among America’s rudest and most courteous places.
1: Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks as the rudest state in the US, despite its beloved seaside towns. A significant 42% of visitors perceive Rhode Islanders as ruder than residents of other states, making it the highest perception rate.
This strong negative perception directly contributed to its top ranking, emphasizing a challenge in visitor interactions.
2: Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks as the second rudest state in the US. It shares Rhode Island’s statistic of 3.1% of its population having rude drivers.
The Bay State is not an ideal place for service workers, given that tipping averages a mediocre 15%. This combination significantly contributes to its high placement among the least courteous states.
3: Virginia
Virginia ranks as the third rudest state in America. Visitors would be wise to avoid driving, as a whopping 5% of drivers exhibit rude behaviors, including illegal passing and tailgating.
This represents the worst driving statistic among all 50 states, heavily contributing to its placement. Road manners are a primary concern here.
4: New York
New York, surprisingly not number one, ranks fourth. 30% of Americans perceive New Yorkers as ruder than residents elsewhere.
However, its 15.6% average tipping rate helps offset this negative perception, preventing it from topping the list. This indicates that while perceived rudeness is high, other factors mitigate its overall ranking.
5: California
California ranks fifth, notable as the first rudest state not from the Northeast. The Golden State performs moderately to poorly in rudeness perception, average tip, and percentage of rude drivers.
This indicates a consistent issue across multiple indicators. Its broad areas of concern contribute to its position among the top rudest states.
6: Washington
Washington ranks sixth, largely due to a significant 3.1% of rude drivers. Luckily for service workers, residents are more generous with their wallets, tipping an average of 16.3%.
This higher tipping rate slightly offsets the impact of rude drivers, but the overall blend places it firmly within the top ten rudest states.
7: New Jersey
New Jersey ranks seventh, with 34% of Americans viewing its residents as rude. It also has a significant issue with driving behavior, as 3.6% of New Jersey’s residents display rude habits on the road.
These factors combine to solidify its position, indicating both a perception and an observable reality of impoliteness.
8: Utah
Utah ranks eighth for rudeness. While Utahns often appear pleasant, customer service employees report a different side when difficulties arise.
It is notably the fifth-worst state for swearing at customer service representatives. This significant issue with verbal aggression in tough situations contributes substantially to its overall placement despite surface-level pleasantries.
9: Illinois
Illinois ranks ninth, following the trend of the top ten rudest states. It has a higher-than-average rate of people perceiving its residents as rude.
Furthermore, the state registers a rude driver rate of 3.1%. These combined factors, from public perception to on-road behavior, contribute to its position among the less courteous states.
10: Ohio
Ohio ranks tenth, largely due to its driving environment. Data indicates 4.3% of Ohio residents practice rude driving behaviors, making it an unpleasant place to drive.
Even its higher 16.7% tip rate, the highest among the top ten, was insufficient to prevent its inclusion in this unwanted category. Driving rudeness heavily impacts its score.
11: Connecticut
Connecticut ranks eleventh, with a positive note on driving. Only about 2% of its drivers are considered rude, a commendable statistic.
However, the state falls below the national average for other rudeness factors. This suggests that while road manners are good, other aspects of resident behavior contribute to its overall position outside the top ten rudest.
12: Maryland
Maryland ranks twelfth, sharing Connecticut’s percentage of rude drivers. It also has a 15.9% average tipping rate.
Tourists seeking blue crab to eat it elsewhere, suggesting potential rudeness in service encounters.
This combination of moderate driving rudeness and tipping, alongside implied service issues, places Maryland in this spot.
13: Wyoming
Wyoming ranks thirteenth, presenting a mixed picture of rudeness. Its 16.8% tipping average is among the highest in the US.
Conversely, 4% of its residents have rude driving habits, with common horn honking and other impolite road behaviors.
This substantial driving rudeness significantly impacts its overall ranking despite its generosity in tipping.
14: Oregon
Oregon ranks fourteenth. A relatively lower percentage of rude drivers helps it avoid a higher rudeness ranking.
However, Oregonians are worse tippers than Wyomingites by 0.4%. This indicates that while road behavior is less problematic, tipping habits pull its overall rudeness ranking higher than it might otherwise be.
15: South Dakota
South Dakota ranks fifteenth. Approximately 3% of its residents have rude driving habits. Luckily for the Mount Rushmore State, the rest of the US doesn’t perceive South Dakotans as a “super rude bunch,” which helps mitigate their overall rudeness score. Driving behavior is a key factor impacting its ranking.
16: Wisconsin
Wisconsin ties with South Dakota at sixteenth. It has the same percentage of rude drivers. Positively, Wisconsin is slightly better at tipping.
Nevertheless, many Americans view Wisconsinites as rude, contributing to its overall ranking. This combination of moderate driving rudeness, improved tipping, and negative perception shapes its position.
17: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks seventeenth. Residents tip a respectable 16.7%. Roads are pleasant, with only about 2% rude drivers.
However, Pennsylvanians swear at customer service a decent amount and need to improve their overall rudeness perception. These factors, particularly verbal rudeness and perception, keep it from a lower ranking.
18: Florida
Florida ranks eighteenth, tied with Georgia and Iowa. Of these three, Florida boasts the lowest percentage of rude drivers, at around only 2%.
This suggests that road behavior is relatively good. Despite being tied, its superior driving manners differentiate it positively among its shared rank.
19: Georgia
Georgia ranks nineteenth, tied with Florida and Iowa. It shares Florida’s 16.4% tipping average. Notably, Georgia has about double the number of rude drivers on the road compared to Florida. This higher rate of impolite drivers is a significant contributor to its rudeness ranking.
20: Iowa
Iowa ranks twentieth, tied with Florida and Georgia. It shares Georgia’s poor 4% ranking for rude drivers. However, Iowa is notable as the first state on this list to achieve a generous 17% tipping average.
This high tipping rate helps offset its problematic driving behavior, contributing to its overall balanced ranking.
21: Michigan
Michigan ranks twenty-first. It has a 16.8% tipping average and only about 2% rude drivers. However, it didn’t rank lower due to relatively poor numbers for cursing at customer service agents and perceived rudeness.
These factors, particularly in communication and public image, prevent it from being seen as less rude.
22: Tennessee
Tennessee ranks twenty-second. Its 15.9% tipping average is significantly lower than nearby states. Yet, only about 2% of its residents display rude driving behaviors, and it ranks well for Zippia’s other metrics.
This strong performance in driving and other factors prevents it from being placed higher on the rudeness list.
23: Alaska
Alaska ranks twenty-third. It’s a great place for customer service, with a 17.1% average tipping rate. However, 3% of its population are rude drivers, and a sufficient number of Americans view Alaskans as rude, keeping them in the middle of the list. Good tipping is offset by driving and perceived rudeness.
24: Colorado
Colorado ranks twenty-fourth. Its 16.6% tipping rate is relatively low. Approximately 3% of their drivers are rude.
However, Coloradans don’t have the worst “potty mouths” compared to residents in many other states. This positive aspect helps mitigate its lower tipping and rude driving, placing it in the middle.
25: Idaho
Idaho ranks twenty-fifth. It has the highest tipping average in the entire US, at 17.4%. However, Idahoans are notably unpleasant drivers, with a rate of 4% rude drivers.
This substantial percentage of rude drivers largely contributes to its middle-of-the-road ranking, balancing its generosity in tipping.
26: Nevada
Nevada ranks twenty-sixth, notable as the first state with only 1% rude drivers. Its tipping rate is a respectable 16.6%.
However, Nevadans are perceived as rude enough and swear frequently enough to customer service agents to prevent them from securing a lower spot. Perception and customer service interactions are key factors.
27: Kansas
Kansas ranks twenty-seventh, a solid middle-of-the-road state for rudeness. It has a higher-than-average rude driver rate of 3%.
However, it ranks decently in the other rudeness categories, such as tipping and perception. This combination of moderate driving rudeness and better performance in other areas places it squarely in the middle of the rankings.
28: Indiana
Indiana ranks twenty-eighth, slightly above the national rudeness average. It shows respectable numbers with 2% rude drivers and a 17.1% average tipping rate.
These positive statistics in key areas contribute to its favorable position, indicating that while not among the least rude, it performs commendably in several metrics.
29: Hawaii
Hawaii ranks twenty-ninth. Its low perceived rudeness and minimal swearing at customer service agents help its ranking.
However, it has a cringe-worthy 14.8% average tipping amount. Interestingly, 60% of Hawaiians believe their state is more polite than others. This highlights a contrast between self-perception, service manners, and tipping.
30: Missouri
Missouri ranks thirtieth, tied with New Mexico and North Dakota. Of these, it has the lowest average tipping percentage.
It also records a moderate 2% of rude drivers. This combination of less generous tipping and acceptable driving behavior places it towards the less rude end of the spectrum, with room for improvement.
31: New Mexico
New Mexico ranks thirty-first. Only 1% of its residents are considered rude drivers, and it has an above-average tipping rate of 16.9%.
However, it doesn’t rank as well for perceived rudeness and customer service communication. These factors indicate areas for improvement despite strong driving and tipping metrics.
32: North Dakota
North Dakota ranks thirty-second, despite its 3% of rude drivers, which “isn’t a pretty look”. However, a 16.8% average tipping rate and decent numbers in perceived rudeness and avoiding swearing at customer service help it secure an above-average ranking for not being among the rudest states.
33: Montana
Montana ranks thirty-third, with Americans generally viewing its residents as less rude than those in many other states.
Only about 2% of residents in the Treasure State display rude driving behaviors, including horn honking or cutting people off.
This positive perception and relatively polite driving contribute significantly to its favorable position.
34: Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks thirty-fourth. Oklahomans are generous with their tipping, averaging 16.8%. They also fall in the median for the number of rude drivers on the road.
This balanced performance, with strong tipping and moderate driving behavior, helps place Oklahoma among the less rude states.
35: Texas
Texas ranks thirty-fifth, with data supporting “Everything’s bigger in Texas” potentially referring to friendly people. Texas residents tip a decent 16.6%.
They also score decently in Zippia’s other rudeness categories, indicating good overall behavior. This positive performance across multiple factors contributes to its standing as one of the less rude states.
36: Arizona
Arizona ranks thirty-sixth. Arizonans are the second-highest tippers in the US, with an average rate of 17.3%. Additionally, only about 2% of their residents are rude drivers.
These strong performances in both tipping and driving significantly contribute to Arizona’s favorable position as a less rude state.
37: New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks thirty-seventh, distinguished by its relatively low rudeness compared to many nearby states.
With only moderate driving rudeness, the Granite State is suggested as a good choice for a road trip. This indicates a generally polite environment, particularly on the roads, contributing positively to its overall ranking.
38: West Virginia
West Virginia ranks thirty-eighth. It ties with Arizona for a generous average 17.3% tipping amount. Notably, the Mountain State is one of only three states so far with a low 1% of rude drivers.
This outstanding performance in both tipping and driving contributes greatly to its favorable position among the least rude states.
39: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks thirty-ninth. While its 3% of rude drivers “doesn’t bode well,” it compensates with other strengths.
It doesn’t have many residents who swear at customer service agents, and it boasts low perceived rudeness.
These positive aspects help the Cornhusker State secure a decent ranking, mitigating its driving statistics.
40: Alabama
Alabama ranks fortieth, tied with Delaware and Maine. The Cotton State features a decent tipping rate of 16.6%.
Additionally, it boasts low perceived rudeness. These positive attributes, including good tipping habits and a favorable public perception, contribute to its position among the less rude states despite its tied ranking.
41: Delaware
Delaware ranks forty-first, tied with Alabama and Maine. It displays larger data swings than Alabama. Delaware has a massive 4% driving rudeness rate.
However, its residents are notably generous, tipping servers an average of 17.2%. This high tipping rate helps balance its significant issues with rude drivers.
42: Maine
Maine ranks forty-second, tied with Alabama and Delaware. It stands out with only 1% of its population being rude drivers.
Although it tips 1.2% less than Delaware, its low perceived rudeness and minimal swearing at customer service agents help it remain among the less rude states.
43: Louisiana
Louisiana ranks forty-third, making it the eighth least rude state in the US. It consistently ranks above average in all rudeness categories.
This strong performance across the board offers tourists a compelling reason to visit the Pelican State, highlighting its overall courtesy and pleasant environment for visitors.
44: Minnesota
Minnesota ranks forty-fourth. Its 16% tipping average is relatively poor for its high ranking. However, it ranks well in all other rudeness categories, including driving, perception, and customer service interactions.
These consistent strong performances in other metrics significantly contribute to its favorable position among the least rude states.
45: South Carolina
South Carolina ranks forty-fifth, benefiting from its “southern charm”. It ranks low for other Americans perceiving South Carolinians as rude.
Its residents also tip a generous average of 16.7%. This combination of favorable perception and good tipping habits positions South Carolina as one of the least rude states in the country.
46: Kentucky
Kentucky ranks forty-sixth. It shares the same rude driver rate and tipping average as Mississippi, the least rude state.
However, Kentuckians can sometimes have a “potty mouth” with customer service agents, and others don’t always view them as the least rude. These communication and perception factors prevent a lower ranking.
47: Vermont
Vermont ranks forty-seventh. A heartwarming 1% of drivers are rude, according to Zippia. Despite a relatively low tipping rate of 16%, residents ranked well in other rudeness categories.
This strong performance in driving and other aspects, despite the tipping, ensures its high position among the least rude states.
48: North Carolina
North Carolina ranks forty-eighth. North Carolinians generally don’t display many rude behaviors. The state also features some of the fewest rude drivers and the highest tipping averages in the nation.
This consistent excellence across key rudeness indicators significantly contributes to its position as one of the least rude states.
49: Arkansas
Arkansas ranks forty-ninth, making its residents the second-least rude in the US. While it has a moderate 2% rate of rude drivers, it ranks high in all other categories.
This strong performance across most metrics, particularly in perception and service interactions, contributes significantly to its standing as one of the most polite states.
50: Mississippi
Mississippi ranks fiftieth, making it the least rude state in the US. Its “Magnolia State” nickname might contribute to a perception of non-rudeness.
Mississippi residents excel in all categories Zippia analyzed, solidifying its position as the best state for travelers wanting to avoid rudeness. It sets the standard for politeness.
Alicia Richards