The Worst U.S. States When it Comes to Bad Behavior
Ever catch yourself not even flinching when your neighbor goes off on store staff or zips through stop signs like they’re suggestions? Well, brace yourself, because Best Life magazine dropped a bombshell in late 2020: a ranking of all 50 states, from the sweetest to the sourest. They didn’t just conjure these rankings out of thin air; they dug deep into surveys on rude cities, aggressive drivers, and downright unfriendly behavior towards customer service folks. It’s a revealing snapshot of how manners vary from coast to coast.
#25: Nevada
Rudeness score: 41.46
Rudest cities: Las Vegas
With a rudeness score of 41.46, Las Vegas leads as Nevada’s rudest city. The state presents a unique blend of manners, positioned mid-range in the United States for rudeness, yet marked among the least friendly.
Nevada’s reputation for incivility is exemplified by Las Vegas, attributed possibly to its tourist-heavy demographic versus a smaller local populace. Dean Swift on Quora highlights the city’s whimsical hospitality range, from grand tips to less pleasant encounters.
#24: West Virginia
Rudeness score: 41.69
Rudest cities: N/A
With a rudeness score of 41.69, West Virginia showcases a relatively polite demeanor, particularly on its picturesque country roads, despite a lack of notable cities known for impoliteness.
Despite safer driving on its scenic roads, West Virginia’s residents occasionally show rudeness, especially in customer service interactions. The state’s struggles in healthcare, education, economy, and infrastructure contrast its lush landscapes.
#23: Maryland
Rudeness score: 42.9
Rudest cities: Baltimore
With a rudeness score of 42.9, Baltimore tops Maryland’s list of impolite cities. Despite its ‘America in Miniature’ nickname, the state’s notable rudeness seems at odds with the country’s overall demeanor.
Maryland’s charm is shadowed by its reputation as one of America’s rudest states. Ocean City, a popular resort town, faces a rudeness epidemic amid summer’s understaffed businesses, plagued by discourteous and impatient patrons.
#22: Connecticut
Rudeness score: 43.35
Rudest cities: Hartford
Connecticut’s rudeness rating hits 43.35, with Hartford topping the list of its rudest cities, highlighting a somewhat unwelcoming demeanor attributed to its residents.
Connecticut locals, known for seeming aloof, attribute their standoffish nature to a need for privacy over rudeness. High living costs contribute to this behavior. Yet, many struggle to connect socially, labeling the atmosphere as ‘lonely’.
#21: Arizona
Rudeness score: 44.1
Rudest cities: Phoenix
Arizona’s politeness falls short with a rudeness score of 44.1, primarily due to Phoenix’s reputation. Despite its serene deserts, the local hospitality doesn’t quite match up, landing the state in 12th place for unfriendliness.
Arizona’s charm is overshadowed by its aloof residents and Phoenix’s hazardous drivers, despite minimal traffic. Lux Tempo’s Quora commentary illustrates the state’s notorious hospitality, especially within its dining scene, urging visitors to brace themselves for a ‘Mad Max’ experience on I-17.
#20: South Dakota
Rudeness score: 44.5
Rudest cities: N/A
Despite lacking major rude cities, South Dakota still scored a 44.5 on the rudeness scale, showcasing a mix of traits on its rudeness profile.
While YouGov highlighted South Dakota as notably polite, ranking fifth, it’s not without rudeness—positioning 13th for rude customers, affected by discourteous drivers and inconsiderate shoppers.
#19: Ohio
Rudeness score: 44.9
Rudest cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus
Ohio ranks among America’s rudest, with Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus leading. Its notorious for impolite drivers and customers, often featuring in the top for swearing at service reps.
Ohio’s drivers breach road rules 32% more than the national average. Anecdotes on social media reflect local perceptions of widespread discourtesy and a resistance to modern attitudes, making some eager to leave.
18: Illinois
Rudeness score: 46.13
Rudest cities: Chicago
Illinois has a rudeness rating of 46.13, with Chicago being the major contributor. Best life suggests that 4% of Illinoisans are rude, potentially influenced by notorious Chicago drivers and their heart-stopping road antics.
Chicago’s unique charm includes a diner, Ed Debevic’s, where staff insult the customers, adding to its notoriety. This, along with aggressive driving behaviors mentioned by Reddit user Killgore-Trout, paints Chicago as the heart of Illinois’ rude reputation.
#17: Michigan
Rudeness score: 47.05
Rudest cities: Detroit
With a rudeness score of 47.05, Detroit stands out as Michigan’s impolite city. Despite its proximity to Canada, renown for its niceness, Michigan still trails behind in manners across the U.S.
Michigan’s straight-shooting demeanor is epitomized by Detroit’s reputation, not just for rudeness but also for its perilous crime rates. Residents like Lora Tucker highlight a no-nonsense attitude akin to New York and Chicago, valuing speed and directness in communication.
#16: Wyoming
Rudeness score: 48.02
Rudest cities: N/A
Wyoming displays a rudeness score of 48.02. Despite its vast lands, it lacks in well-mannered cities, reflecting peculiar behaviors among its sparse population of approximately 580,000 residents, attributed to isolation and tough weather.
Ranked 10th for rude customers and noted for 4.8% rude drivers, Wyoming’s disregard for stop signs is noteworthy, 37% above the norm. Critical views on Cheyenne highlight a perceived imbalance between the state’s natural beauty and social atmosphere.
#15: Montana
Rudeness score: 48.02
Rudest cities: N/A
Montana, featuring breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and vast plains, unfortunately aligns with a less appealing trait—its inhabitants’ not-so-welcoming demeanor. A HuffPost article by a local barista echoes this sentiment, highlighting customer insubordination during the pandemic.
Montana’s civic spirit seems tarnished, as noted by a longtime cashier on Reddit, AngieTheCrazy. The state once known for its hospitality now grapples with an uptick in discourtesy and reckless driving, challenging its friendly reputation.
#14: New Jersey
Rudeness score: 50.83
Rudest cities: N/A
New Jersey scored 50.83 in rudeness, having no notable cities listed. This aligns with media portrayals of its less-than-stellar driving, making it a contender in America’s top 15 rudest states.
New Jersey’s culture emphasizes direct communication, often perceived as unfriendly. According to SnackFlag on Reddit, the state’s residents are straightforward because they’re simply not familiar with you. The high cost and dense population might also contribute to the seemingly brusque demeanor.
#13: North Dakota
Rudeness score: 52.24
Rudest cities: N/A
North Dakota, known for its politeness, scored a rudeness rating of 52.24. Despite the absence of notable rude cities, the state faces challenges maintaining its courteous reputation.
The ‘North Dakota nice’ demeanor seems at risk, especially during the pandemic. Bismarck’s public health director, Renae Moch, faced harsh backlash for supporting mask mandates. Additionally, the state is perceived poorly in how customer service employees are treated, surprising many.
#12: Delaware
Rudeness score: 52.24
Rudest cities: N/A
With a rudeness score of 52.24, Delaware holds its ground, albeit not for the best reasons. It’s not all bad, as customer service seems to receive a warmer treatment here.
Delaware’s driving habits could be causing its soaring auto insurance rates, being 57% above the national average. Careless driving behaviors such as running red lights are alarmingly common, leading to a less than safe driving environment.
#11: Wisconsin
Rudeness score: 56.82
Rudest cities: Milwaukee
Wisconsin ranks with a rudeness score of 56.82, with Milwaukee highlighted as its rudest city.
Wisconsinites struggle with etiquette, notably in driving and customer service interactions. They often ignore stop signs and lack manners during business phone calls.
#10: Idaho
Rudeness score: 52.24
Rudest cities: N/A
Idaho is notorious for its impolite drivers, ranked as the second-worst in the U.S. Spanning the state, drivers are seen ignoring stop signs 30% more than the national average, creating a chaotic driving environment reminiscent of boisterous high schoolers racing out of school.
Idaho’s driving scene is akin to an all-ages rally, with residents rivaling reckless teenagers, according to user Gryffindumble. Beyond the roads, the state’s interactions with customer service staff are notably poor, painting a less-than-flattering picture of local civility.
#9: California
Rudeness score: 58.82
Rudest cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and Riverside
With a rudeness score of 58.82, California’s notoriety for unfriendly behavior is spotlighted in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This state, surprisingly, challenges its sun-kissed, laid-back image with its share of discourtesy.
The Golden State, often seen as a sunny paradise for carefree living, struggles with rude driving habits, especially in populated cities. According to Its_Kakes on Reddit, LA’s anonymity fosters an environment where rudeness is rampant, similar to negative online behavior.
#8: Rhode Island
Rudeness score: 59.17
Rudest cities: Providence
Rhode Island tallies a rudeness score of 59.17, with Providence standing out. Its compact geography might excuse the rush but not the road rage or the occasional incivility.
Quora’s Ben Bracken claims Rhode Island’s driving impatience stems from its small size, prioritizing speed over manners. A journey beyond 15 minutes feels like a lengthy expedition, making blocked exits a major nuisance.
#7: Massachusetts
Rudeness score: 62.13
Rudest cities: Boston
With a rudeness score of 62.13 and Boston leading as its rudest city, Massachusetts isn’t exactly celebrated for its warmth or affordability.
The state’s lack of friendliness, particularly in busy Boston, can be attributed to stress from long commutes, high living costs, and challenging weather conditions.
#6: Utah
Rudeness score: 62.32
Rudest cities: Salt Lake City
Utah scores 62.32 on the rudeness scale, with Salt Lake City leading as its rudest city, showcasing a noteworthy lack of manners.
Utah’s notorious driving habits, including tailgating and speeding, are not just seen as rude but dangerously so. Personal anecdotes on social media underscore the perilous nature of these actions.
#5: Alaska
Rudeness score: 63.49
Rudest cities: N/A
Alaska ranks third for having the rudest customers, with an overall rudeness score of 63.49. Although no cities are specified, its residents’ cold demeanor mirrors the harsh climate, contributing to its reputation as a dangerous state, especially for women.
An Alaskan lifer criticizes fellow residents for entitlement, despite fiscal benefits like no state sales or income tax and receiving payments to live there. This view underscores a paradox where Alaskans still find reasons to complain, reflecting a complex social landscape.
#4: Iowa
Rudeness score: 64.19
Rudest cities: N/A
Iowa’s rudeness is measured at 64.19, surprisingly lacking rude cities by name. The ‘Iowa Nice’ notion seems to falter in multicultural interactions. Notorious for impolite drivers and customers, a local Mexican eatery beseeched patrons for respect in a social plea.
Reddit user You_Artistic critiques ‘Iowa Nice’ as a mask for passive-aggressive behavior. Instead of direct confrontation, Iowans allegedly prefer dropping hints, a practice that muddies the waters of genuine politeness and consideration.
#3: Washington
Rudeness score: 67.74
Rudest cities: Seattle
Washington’s rudeness index registers at 67.74, with Seattle topping the list of its rudest cities.
The ‘Seattle Freeze’ highlights the state’s social chill, with 40% indifferent to forming new friendships, a trend possibly fueled by technology or gloomy weather.
