When we talk about being “good with money,” it doesn’t necessarily mean earning six figures or never carrying debt. Financial responsibility can look a lot more ordinary: paying bills on time, keeping debt manageable, maintaining a healthy credit score, and knowing how much you can realistically afford to borrow.
And according to a new September 2026 study from Achieve, some states appear to be doing those things better than others.
The study looked at financial habits across all 50 states, comparing factors including average FICO credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, debt per capita, serious loan delinquency rates, and median household income.
The result? Minnesota was named the most financially responsible state in America.
Minnesota Takes the Top Spot
Minnesota residents have an average FICO credit score of 741, the highest among the states included in the ranking.
That falls within the “Very Good” credit range and can potentially help borrowers qualify for more favorable rates and lending terms.
Minnesotans have approximately $63,800 in debt per capita, while the state’s median household income is about $87,100. The study also found that just 1.83% of debt is 90 days or more delinquent.
Considering how expensive borrowing has become, keeping payments current can make a major difference in a household budget.
The 10 Most Financially Responsible States
Here is how the study’s top 10 stacked up:
| State | Avg. FICO Score | Debt-to-Income Ratio | Debt Per Capita | 90+ Day Delinquency | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 741 | 1.18 | $63.8K | 1.83% | $87.1K |
| Wisconsin | 737 | 1.18 | $49.2K | 1.73% | $77.4K |
| Vermont | 737 | 1.28 | $52.9K | 2.32% | $82.7K |
| New Hampshire | 735 | 1.36 | $66.4K | 1.91% | $99.7K |
| Washington | 734 | 1.55 | $85.8K | 1.55% | $99.3K |
| South Dakota | 731 | 1.18 | $52.2K | 2.23% | $76.8K |
| Massachusetts | 731 | 1.18 | $77.4K | 1.86% | $104.8K |
| Maine | 731 | 1.45 | $53.3K | 2.31% | $76.4K |
| North Dakota | 730 | 0.76 | $53.3K | 2.47% | $77.8K |
| Hawaii | 730 | 1.95 | $83.4K | 1.76% | $100.7K |
Wisconsin Comes in Second
Wisconsin residents aren’t far behind their neighbors in Minnesota.
The state’s average FICO score is 737, while debt per capita sits at approximately $49,200—one of the lowest amounts among the top-ranking states.
Even more impressive is the delinquency rate. Just 1.73% of debt is 90 days or more past due.
Wisconsin’s median household income of $77,400 isn’t the highest on the list, either, which is a good reminder that financial health isn’t determined by income alone. What you do with the money coming in matters too.
Vermont Ranks Third
Vermont tied Wisconsin with an average FICO score of 737.
Residents carry approximately $52,900 in debt per capita, while the median household income is $82,700. The state’s 90-day delinquency rate is 2.32%.
Housing expenses, however, can put additional pressure on Vermont households, demonstrating something important about these rankings: even financially responsible households aren’t immune to rising living costs.
New Hampshire Lands at Number Four
With a median household income approaching $100,000 and an average FICO score of 735, New Hampshire earned fourth place.
Residents carry approximately $66,400 in debt per capita, but only 1.91% is seriously delinquent.
Higher incomes can certainly make managing debt easier, but consistently making payments and avoiding excessive borrowing remain important parts of maintaining good credit.
Washington Has the Lowest Delinquency Rate
Washington rounds out the top five and stands out for another reason.
Although residents carry approximately $85,800 in debt per capita, the state has a 90+ day delinquency rate of just 1.55%, the lowest among the states in the study.
Washington residents also have a median household income of approximately $99,300 and an average FICO score of 734.
It is an interesting example of why looking at debt alone doesn’t tell the entire story. Someone—or an entire state—can carry a relatively high amount of debt while still managing those financial obligations responsibly.
What About the Least Financially Responsible State?
At the opposite end of the ranking was Mississippi.
According to the research, residents were falling seriously behind on nearly 6% of debt, highlighting the financial pressures facing households in the state.
But rankings like these need some perspective. A credit score doesn’t tell us everything about someone’s relationship with money.
Income, housing costs, employment opportunities, medical expenses, family responsibilities, access to affordable credit, and the overall cost of living can all influence how much debt someone carries and whether they’re able to keep up with payments.
America’s Growing Debt Problem
The bigger story may be what’s happening with household debt across the country.
According to Achieve’s commentary on the study, total U.S. household debt has surpassed $18.8 trillion, while auto loan debt has reached approximately $1.71 trillion.
The company also noted that Millennials carry about $132,000 in debt on average, while Gen X carries approximately $158,000, much of it connected to mortgages.
Credit card delinquencies are another concern, with a growing share of balances becoming seriously past due.
With Americans carrying so much debt, maintaining a high credit score and keeping accounts current is becoming increasingly important—and sometimes increasingly difficult.
What Can We Learn From the Most Financially Responsible States?
You don’t have to move to Minnesota to improve your finances.
The habits reflected in these rankings are things we can work toward no matter where we live:
- Pay bills on time whenever possible.
- Keep credit card balances manageable.
- Avoid borrowing simply because a lender says you qualify.
- Know your debt-to-income ratio.
- Check your credit reports regularly.
- Build an emergency fund, even if you have to start small.
- Focus on your overall financial picture instead of comparing your income to someone else’s.
Financial responsibility isn’t about having a perfect credit score or living completely debt-free. It’s about making thoughtful decisions with the money you have.
And sometimes the most champagne-worthy financial move is also the most bare-budget one: spending less than you earn, borrowing carefully, and giving yourself a little more breathing room for tomorrow.
