Some states shine with politeness, while others could use a lesson in manners. Zippia dug into the data to uncover America’s rudest states, analyzing:
- Rude drivers
- Tipping habits
- How residents are perceived by others
- Customer service interactions
Here’s the countdown—starting with the absolute rudest.1
1. Rhode Island
The Ocean State tops the list, with a staggering 42% of residents perceiving themselves as ruder than the average American.
2. Massachusetts
Sharing a similar reputation for rude drivers with Rhode Island, Massachusetts also falls short in tipping generosity, further solidifying its position.
3. Virginia
While Virginia might offer historical charm, its roads are apparently a different story. It boasts the highest percentage of rude drivers across the nation.
4. New York
Despite the stereotype, New York doesn’t claim the top spot. However, its reputation for rudeness isn’t unfounded, as 30% of Americans consider New Yorkers less polite than others.
5. California
The Golden State’s allure doesn’t shield it from a less-than-stellar ranking, with mediocre scores across rudeness perception, tipping, and driver behavior.
6. Washington
While residents might be more generous tippers, Washington’s high percentage of rude drivers contributes to its position among the rudest states.
7. New Jersey
The Garden State isn’t blooming with politeness, as 34% of Americans find New Jerseyans rude. This sentiment is fueled by a notable percentage of drivers displaying rude behavior.
8. Utah
Beneath the pleasant facade, Utahns seem to have a hidden temper. The state ranks poorly for customer service interactions, particularly for swearing at representatives.
9. Illinois
While not the worst offender, Illinois maintains a consistent pattern of rudeness, with above-average rates of perceived rudeness and rude drivers.
10. Ohio
Ohio’s roads seem to bring out the worst in drivers, with a high percentage exhibiting rude behavior. Even generous tips can’t compensate for the unpleasant driving experience.
11. Connecticut
The Nutmeg State might have courteous drivers, but it falls short in other areas of politeness, ranking below the national average.
12. Maryland
Tied with Connecticut for its percentage of rude drivers, Maryland also disappoints with its overall rudeness score, suggesting that even seafood lovers might find it an unpleasant destination.
13. Wyoming
The Cowboy State presents a paradox: generous tippers but aggressive drivers. While residents are known for their hospitality, the roads tell a different story, with a high percentage of rude driving behaviors.
14. Oregon
Oregonians might be slightly better tippers than their Wyoming neighbors, but a relatively high percentage of rude drivers keeps the Beaver State in the lower ranks.
15. South Dakota
While not perceived as overly rude, South Dakota’s roads could use some improvement, as a significant portion of drivers exhibit rude behavior.
16. Wisconsin
Sharing a similar profile with South Dakota, Wisconsinites are seen as somewhat rude, and a notable percentage of drivers contribute to this perception. However, they are slightly more generous with tips.
17. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State boasts a respectable tipping average and relatively polite drivers. However, Pennsylvanians could work on their customer service interactions and overall perception of rudeness.
18. Florida
Tied for 18th to 20th place, Florida shines with a low percentage of rude drivers. However, other factors keep the Sunshine State from a higher ranking.
19. Georgia
While Georgians tip well, their roads seem to be less hospitable, with a higher percentage of rude drivers compared to Florida.
20. Iowa
Iowa rounds out this group with a similar percentage of rude drivers to Georgia but stands out as the most generous tipper among these states.
21. Michigan
While Michiganders are decent tippers and generally polite drivers, their overall perception of rudeness and tendency to curse at customer service agents keep them in the middle of the pack.
22. Tennessee
Tennessee falls short in the tipping department compared to its neighbors, but its low percentage of rude drivers and positive performance in other metrics prevent it from ranking higher.
23. Alaska
The Last Frontier boasts the highest tipping average thus far, but a notable percentage of rude drivers and a general perception of rudeness keep it from a top spot.
24. Colorado
Colorado’s middling tipping rate and a moderate number of rude drivers contribute to its middle-ground ranking. However, residents tend to keep their language in check with customer service representatives.
25. Idaho
Surprisingly, Idaho, despite having the highest tipping average in the entire country, lands in the middle of the pack. The culprit? A high percentage of rude drivers.
26. Nevada
The Silver State boasts the lowest percentage of rude drivers so far and a respectable tipping average. However, a reputation for rudeness and frequent swearing at customer service agents tarnish its image.
27. Kansas
The Sunflower State sits comfortably in the middle, with a higher-than-average percentage of rude drivers but decent scores in other rudeness categories.
28. Indiana
Indiana fares slightly better than average, boasting a respectable percentage of polite drivers and a good tipping average.
29. Hawaii
The Aloha State’s reputation for friendliness holds true, with low perceived rudeness and minimal swearing at customer service agents. However, a low tipping average tars its image.
30. Missouri
Missouri ties for 30th place, with the lowest tipping average among the three tied states and a moderate percentage of rude drivers.
31. New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment boasts a low percentage of rude drivers and above-average tipping, but falls short in perceived rudeness and customer service communication.
32. North Dakota
Despite a higher percentage of rude drivers, North Dakota’s decent tipping average and relatively polite interactions with customer service agents keep it from ranking lower.
33. Montana
Montanans are viewed as less rude than residents of many other states, and their roads are relatively peaceful, with only a small percentage of drivers displaying rude behavior.
34. Oklahoma
The Sooner State strikes a balance, with generous tipping habits but a moderate percentage of rude drivers.
35. Texas
The Lone Star State lives up to its reputation for hospitality, with decent tipping and overall politeness.
36. Arizona
Arizonans stand out as the second-most generous tippers in the nation and have a remarkably low percentage of rude drivers.
37. New Hampshire
The Granite State offers a refreshing change of pace, with minimal rudeness compared to its neighboring states and a moderate level of driving courtesy.
38. West Virginia
West Virginians are equally generous tippers as Arizonans and boast one of the lowest percentages of rude drivers, making the Mountain State a pleasant surprise.
39. Nebraska
Despite a higher percentage of rude drivers, Nebraskans redeem themselves with a low perceived rudeness and relatively polite customer service interactions.
40. Alabama
The Cotton State shows its hospitality with a decent tipping average and low perceived rudeness, earning a spot in the top half of the ranking.
41. Delaware
The First State shows a mixed bag, with a high percentage of rude drivers but generous tipping habits. This inconsistency lands it in the middle of the ranking.
42. Maine
Maine stands out for its exceptionally low number of rude drivers and relatively polite demeanor, making it a pleasant surprise on this list.
43. Louisiana
The Pelican State boasts a well-deserved reputation for hospitality, ranking above average in all rudeness categories and proving to be a welcoming destination.
44. Minnesota
While Minnesotans may not be the most generous tippers, their overall politeness and low number of rude drivers earn them a respectable ranking.
45. South Carolina
The Palmetto State lives up to its southern charm, with low perceived rudeness and generous tipping habits.
46. Kentucky
Kentuckians share similar driving and tipping habits with the least rude state, but their occasional potty mouth and perceived rudeness hold them back from claiming the top spot.
47. Vermont
The Green Mountain State boasts a remarkably low percentage of rude drivers and fares well in overall politeness, despite a lower tipping average.
48. North Carolina
North Carolinians are perceived as friendly and courteous, with few rude drivers and one of the highest tipping averages in the country.
49. Arkansas
The Natural State earns its place as the second least-rude state, excelling in politeness categories despite a moderate percentage of rude drivers.
50. Mississippi
The Magnolia State takes the crown for the least rude state, with residents excelling in all rudeness categories, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.
Tips for Being a Polite Neighbor
Being a polite neighbor is about more than just smiling across the fence—it’s about making small efforts that add up to a more pleasant community for everyone.
Whether you’re aiming to keep your state off the “rudest” list or just want to be the kind of person others enjoy having around, here are a few light-hearted tips to help you steer clear of common faux pas:
- Tip Like You Mean It: If you’re dining out, remember that a generous tip is more than just a reward for good service—it’s a sign of respect. Servers often depend on tips, and being stingy might leave a sour taste long after your meal has ended. Besides, who doesn’t want to leave a little sunshine in someone’s day?
- Be Patient on the Road: We all have places to be, but remember that everyone else does too. A friendly wave can go a long way if you’re merging or someone lets you pass. Honking like it’s the Indy 500? Not so much. Let’s make the roads a little less like a battleground and more like a shared space.
- Mind Your Noise: Your favorite late-night playlist might be a hit—but probably not with your neighbors at 2 a.m. Keeping noise levels in check, especially at night, is a sure way to earn the title of “most considerate neighbor.” Save the karaoke sessions for Saturday afternoons, and maybe invite the neighbors over instead!
- Say Hello and Smile: It may seem small, but a smile or a simple “Good morning” can make a big difference. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone on the block, but acknowledging the people around you creates a friendly atmosphere and might just make someone’s day.
- Respect Shared Spaces: Whether it’s a community park or the hallway of your apartment building, treating shared spaces as if they were your own shows respect for everyone who uses them. Pick up after your dog, throw trash in the bin, and if you borrow something, return it promptly (and maybe even in better condition). It’s the little things that build trust and goodwill.
Remember, politeness is contagious. By making these small efforts, you’re not only improving your own environment—you’re encouraging others to do the same. So go ahead, be the neighbor everyone loves to have around.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
