Inconsiderate and Ill-mannered: These Are the 25 Rudest States in America

Advertisements

Advertisements


You know it’s bad when you don’t blink an eye at your neighbor cursing at store employees or speeding past stop signs.
Lifestyle magazine Best Life released a list of all 50 states ranked from the nicest to the rudest in late 2020. It looked at indicators from other surveys, such as those for rudest cities and drivers, unfriendliness and impolite behaviour with customer service employees.

Here are 25 rudest states ranked from lowest to highest rudeness score.


Comments from Reddit and Quora have been edited for spelling and clarity.

25. Nevada


The Las Vegas Strip
@g_dezigner / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 41.46

Rudest cities: Las Vegas

Nevada falls smack in the middle when it comes to rude behavior in the United States, but it’s still considered one of the country’s unfriendliest states.

Las Vegas is reputed to be the rudest city in the Silver State, but that might have something to do with its high population of tourists and visitors and low population of locals.

“If you’re talking about the Las Vegas strip, it’s unpredictable. You can find people who will tip $100, and people who will throw beer at you (not really, but it sure seems like it sometimes),” says Dean Swift on Quora.

24. West Virginia


West Virgina in fall
@gonzalezan23 / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 41.69

Rudest cities: N/A

West Virginia may not be as rude as some of the other states on this list, and drivers on its old country roads tend to drive pretty safely, but residents still demonstrate impolite behaviour when interacting with customer service representatives.

The state also ranks poorly in health care, education, economy and infrastructure, although the abundance of green valleys and mountainous terrain certainly count in its favor.

And some say West Virginians show plenty of bias and prejudice as well. “I personally have experienced some open professional biases as a woman in interviews and in my workplace which I expect would not have been so explicit (though may still have happened) in other places I’ve lived,” writes one Quora user.

23. Maryland


Maryland harbor
@chrisfiasco / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 42.9

Rudest cities: Baltimore

Maryland has often been nicknamed “America in Miniature,” which doesn’t really reflect well on the rest of the country, considering it’s also one of the rudest states in America.

The resort town of Ocean City in particular has been dealing with many disrespectful and impatient customers at its understaffed businesses this summer.

Maryland drivers don’t have a stellar reputation on the roads, either.

“Objectively, the roads can't handle the flow, and the cost of living is expensive enough to force people into long commutes from cheaper places. This results in a lot of angry, tired, frustrated, and distracted drivers taking on congested roads every day. … Maryland drivers are dangerous because they are unfocused and clueless. If you get cut off, there's a decent chance they never even looked, and may not have even realized they've changed lanes,” says FerociousFrizzlyBear on Reddit.

22. Connecticut


Row of Beautiful Wood Homes on the East Side of Stamford Connecticut
James Andrews1 / Shutterstock



Rudeness score: 43.35

Rudest cities: Hartford

People who live in Connecticut have an unfortunate reputation of being snooty and standoffish, perhaps because the cost of living in the state is so high.

While some locals say their reclusive behaviour has nothing to do with rudeness and everything to do with staying low-key and giving others their space, others find it difficult to make friends and socialize.

“People just seem closed off. They care too much what others think of them and whether your association will reflect poorly on them … I find it extremely lonely and isolating living here,” says Steve Beisheim on Quora.

21. Arizona


Touring Antelope Canyon
@carleyc_az / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 44.1

Rudest cities: Phoenix

In blistering Arizona, residents aren’t particularly known for their sunny, open personalities — in fact, Arizona made the 12th spot for most unfriendly states.

The State Press also says that despite the relatively low traffic congestion in the city of Phoenix, you will encounter plenty of young and inexperienced drivers speeding down the roads.

“I don’t even bother making friendly conversation. Not worth it. I’ve lived in a few places, different states, and I can say without hesitation that the worst restaurant experiences that I’ve ever had have been in Arizona, and more than once. The drivers in Phoenix have a death wish. Get your Mad Max on before heading out on I-17,” writes Lux Tempo on Quora.

20. South Dakota


On the road with the view of Mount Rushmore National Memorial from the highway in South Dakota
@mylove4art / Twenty20



Rudeness Score: 44.5

Rudest cities: N/A

South Dakotans may not believe they reside in one of the rudest states in America, but the Mount Rushmore state placed fifth in the top polite states, according to You Gov, a global public opinion and data company.

But the state has its fair share of rude drivers and mean customers — it landed 13th in the rude customer ranking which brought its overall rudeness score up.

“No one uses their blinker!! And way too many people run red lights. I know it's a problem everywhere, but in driver’s ed they taught us that SD is one of the worst states for it and Sioux Falls specifically is really bad,” says Redditor gritar_arbusto.

19. Ohio


Walking through Cleveland
@covertdylan36 / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 44.9

Rudest cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus

The Buckeye State was ranked among the rudest 20 states in America thanks to its high percentage of rude drivers and relatively high ranking for rude customers.

Ohio has ranked among the most foul-mouthed and least courteous states in America in the past, particularly when it comes to swearing at customer service representatives over the phone.

And drivers tend to violate the rules of the road 32% more in Ohio than they do in the rest of the country.

“I’m from a major city area and have found that every person I’ve met in Ohio is flat-out rude and backwards. Stuck in the past or something. It’s very odd here and I can’t wait to get out,” says Amberburry on Reddit.

18. Illinois


A view of traffic on the side of the Chicago River
@KatjaP / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 46.13

Rudest cities: Chicago

Nearly 4 percent of Illinois residents are considered rude, says Best Life — and it could be Chicagoans giving the rest of the state a bad rep.

“Chicago drivers are the worst I've seen. There’s the ole ‘I'm gonna freaking drive in the middle of the street until the very last second then swerve back to my side after you slam on the brakes’ move. It gives me a heart attack every time,” says Killgore-Trout on Reddit.

There’s even a Chicago diner that pays its staff to be rude to customers — at Ed Debevic’s, servers respond to your orders with insults, but visitors typically go there for the novelty.

17. Michigan


nothing stops Detroit, Michigan
@bellphoto1 / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 47.05

Rudest cities: Detroit

The Great Lakes State might lie along America’s border with Canada — the country lauded (and sometimes ridiculed) for being “nice” — but it’s still lacking in manners when compared to the rest of the U.S.

Detroit is considered the state’s rudest city, but to be fair, Motor City’s also considered one of America’s more dangerous areas for crime.

“Growing up in Michigan, I've lived and worked with people who are straight shooters. Sugarcoating feedback or sugarcoating anything is not common. This attitude is also common in New York and Chicago. It is what it is. Things move fast. Keep up or get left behind,” says Lora Tucker on Quora.

15 (tie). Wyoming


Seeing double from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
@kgsphoto / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 48.02

Rudest cities: N/A

Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S., but many of its odd 580,000 residents aren’t up to scratch in good behaviour.

An opinion piece for HighCountryNews suggested that their taciturn natures might have something to do with the state’s isolation, small population and harsh weather.

Wyoming earned the 10th position for rudest customers, and 4.8% of its drivers are considered rude as well. Insurify says Cowboy State drivers are 37% more likely to disregard stop signs.

“I don't like Cheyenne. It seems to have all the negatives of Wyoming (nothing happening, closed-mindedness, rudeness of the populace, etc.) with none of the positives of Wyoming (beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, etc.),” writes uselessjd on Reddit.

15 (tie). Montana


Grain Silo and Big Sky Country
@cordellphoto / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 48.02

Rudest cities: N/A

The Treasure State might offer gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and wide-open plains, but its residents aren’t quite as charming.

One coffee shop worker in Montana wrote a piece for HuffPost outlining the difficult time she and her coworkers had during the COVID-19 pandemic, with customers refusing to wear masks indoors despite the government mandate.

“I used to brag about Great Falls’ hospitality, and lately everyone seems a little tweaky and rude. As a cashier for the longest time I met some pretty amazing and nice people, but there have been times that I met people that just deserved a ‘Dude, rude.’ (I never said anything, I just kept beeping away.) EVEN THE DRIVERS. They do some low key dangerous things just to get in front of people. Where's the fire?” says AngieTheCrazy on Reddit.

14. New Jersey


Newark, New Jersey, US
@p__nutbutter83 / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 50.83

Rudest cities: N/A

You’ll often encounter references to the Garden State’s poor drivers in movies and TV shows — while it’s nowhere near as bad as Idaho or New York, it’s still enough to help drag the state into the top 15 for rudest states.

It’s not known for being a particularly friendly state, either. SnackFlag on Reddit explains, “Different culture; people here are more to the point. They don't care because they don't know you. Small talk can come off as rude, intrusive and unwelcome.”

Like New York, New Jersey is pricey to live in and densely populated, which may explain why some residents come off as impolite or abrasive.

12 (tie). North Dakota


North Dakota farm life
@rymotto / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 52.24

Advertisements

Rudest cities: N/A

“North Dakota nice” could be in danger of dying during the pandemic, reports The Bismarck Tribune.

Bismarck public health director Renae Moch received an onslaught of angry social media posts, emails and phone calls after a COVID-19 task force she is part of advocated mask mandates.

This Midwestern state also lags for how it treats employees in customer service jobs.

“It caught me off guard how rude a lot of people tend to be in ND when it comes to people you interact with at gas stations and retail stores,” says one Redditor.

12 (tie). Delaware


Intersection and modern buildings in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock



Rudeness score: 52.24

Rudest cities: N/A

The First State isn’t the friendliest in the U.S., although it seems to be relatively kind to its customer service representatives.

Drivers fail to stop at red lights almost 60% more frequently compared to the rest of the country. This may partially explain why auto insurance rates in Delaware are 57% higher than the rest of the country as well.

Delawarean electrikskies1 writes on Reddit, “There are too many people crammed into Northern Delaware. Driving in this state is really annoying and aggravating also. I almost get killed at least 3 times a day or more while driving because a lot of people ride your butt, cut you off, don't use turn signals, pull out in front of you, don't know how to use a four-way stop, etc. … I don't know how some people got through driver's ed.”

11. Wisconsin


Cross country road trip
@PlanetBrandee / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 56.82

Rudest cities: Milwaukee

According to this study, Wisconsinites have poor etiquette when it comes to both driving and interacting with customer service employees.

They run stop signs 23% more frequently than average and are less likely to say “please” and “thank you” during phone conversations with businesses.

Redditor shaggyscoob says, “When I am being tailgated, it is almost always a Wisconsin driver. When someone fails to stop at a stop sign, it is almost always a Wisconsin driver. They usually sneak through a stop with the car in front of them rather than wait their turn. Wisconsin drivers accelerate into stops and floor it when they go. They pass unsafely, they almost never signal a turn, they pop out in front of oncoming traffic as if they are afraid of having someone in front of them and they seem to always speed.”

10. Idaho


downtown Boise, Idaho farmer's market
CSNafzger / Shutterstock



Rudeness Score: 57.16

Rudest cities: N/A

Idaho ranks second-worst in the nation for rude drivers — Insurify says they run through stop signs almost 30% more frequently than the national average.

“I relate driving in Boise to my high school days when all the kids got their license and school just let out and everyone was racing off campus and around that area. … That's what driving in Boise feels like … only, it's not kids … It's everyone everywhere,” writes Gryffindumble on Reddit.

Residents in the Gem State are also known for treating customer service representatives poorly.

Owners of some burger joints in North Idaho last year posted on social media that they had to deal with many rude customers during the pandemic — some even reduced their teenage employees to tears — and would be refusing service to those customers.

9. California


California Venice Beach
@jesspeck / Twenty20



Rudeness Score: 58.82

Rudest cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Riverside

Californians are the happy-go-lucky hippies of the U.S., right? It’s easy to get caught up in that misconception — after all, the sunny, beachy state doesn’t seem like it gives its residents too much trouble, at least when it comes to the weather and outdoor activities.

However, California has its fair share of rude drivers, and its rudeness metric only rises in big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, perhaps due to their high population densities.

“People in LA think it's ok to be a jerk because 99.9% of the time you'll never see the other person again. It's like the Internet — jerks write things they wouldn't dream of saying in real life because there aren't repercussions. It seems to me the worst offenders are the ones who haven't ‘made it’ but think they should,” says Its_Kakes on Reddit.

8. Rhode Island


Narragansett, Rhode Island
@BiancaAndWilliam / Twenty20



Rudeness Score: 59.17

Rudest cities: Providence

Rhode Islanders live in the smallest state in the nation, so perhaps they can be forgiven for their haste on the roads — unless they hit you with a rude hand gesture or a loud honk.

Quora user Ben Bracken writes, “Rhode Island drivers aren't rude, per se, we're just spoiled. We live in a very small state, so when we drive, we like to get everywhere as fast as possible. A drive that takes over 15 minutes is the equivalent to a day trip to us. So if you are in the way of an exit we need to get to, we are going to be mad that we have to spend additional time driving.”

Locals are also considered to be relatively rude toward customer service representatives.

One drive-thru employee told National Public Radio in July that he was “done” with fast food after dealing with so many angry customers.

7. Massachusetts


Adams, Massachusetts
@eric_urquhart / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 62.13

Rudest cities: Boston

Massachusetts isn’t known for being the friendliest of states — or the most affordable, either.

The bustling big city of Boston is considered the worst. “I think it partially stems from everyone being stressed out from long commutes, high costs and bad weather much of the year. I myself have had to fight back my bad moods stemming from these things, so in some ways I get it,” says Bernadette Astacio on Quora.

One Cape Cod restaurant shut down for the day in July so staff could enjoy a “day of kindness” after receiving an “an astronomical influx” of rude customers, who swore at employees and threatened to sue.

6. Utah


Winding road ahead
@rjamartinez / Twenty20



Rudeness Score: 62.32

Rudest cities: Salt Lake City

The Beehive State is notorious for its terrible drivers, especially when it comes to tailgating and speeding infractions.

“They are not just rude and inconsiderate, they are also dangerous. We have several personal stories of drivers that have almost caused an almost certainly fatal car accident because of their selfishness, competitiveness and disregard,” says JakeMacGill on Reddit.

Joseph Morales, the lead star in one of the Hamilton national touring companies, was particularly displeased with the reception in Salt Lake City in 2018, calling out the audience for constantly checking their phones during the performance.

5. Alaska


Mountain climber on rope team bending over on snow-covered ridge in the Alaska Range
@jesselind / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 63.49

Rudest cities: N/A

Residents in the Frontier State are just as frigid as the weather, and to make matters worse, Alaska is considered one of the most dangerous states in the nation, particularly for women.

The state made it to third place for rudest customers — one restaurant in Anchorage even “fired,” or refuses to serve, a certain customer who badmouthed one of its autistic employees in 2015.

“I'm a life-long Alaskan who loves this state, but … I've come to view Alaskans as one of the most entitled groups of people I've ever met … I mean, we pay no state sales or income tax and actually get paid to live here, yet somehow we complain about that too,” says aksnipesnkush on Reddit.

4. Iowa


Downtown Iowa City in Autumn
Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock



Rudeness score: 64.19

Rudest cities: N/A

Though Iowans aren’t perhaps as outwardly or loudly rude as New Yorkers, some say the “Iowa Nice” stereotype doesn’t hold up as strongly when residents interact with minorities.

The Hawkeye State also ranked highly for rude drivers and customers. One Mexican restaurant in Iowa was even compelled to post on Facebook in May asking diners to be more respectful toward employees.

“The worst thing about Iowa is the Iowa Nice mentality. The mentality where being two-faced and passive aggressive is good manners. If you’re angry or have something to tell someone, you don’t mention it outright because it’s rude. Instead you drop a bunch of passive aggressive hints,” says You_Artistic on Reddit.

3. Washington


Long line of people waiting to get into an event in downtown Seattle with skyline in the background
@RLTheis / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 67.74

Rudest cities: Seattle

The Seattle Freeze is a real thing — 40% of residents in Washington and Oregon said it’s not important for them to make new friends, according to a survey from PEMCO Insurance.

Some believe the reclusive nature of Northwesterners has been accelerated by the rise of technology, while others believe it has something to do with the constant rainy weather.

Redditor 0z79 writes, “Seattle is like Portland; you need to let people just stare at you. If you say anything while they're staring at you, then you are the one who has violated your boundaries. So, if you move to Seattle to stay, don't count on anyone and if you find someone staring at you, don't say anything at all because then, you are the one overstepping your bounds.”

2. Virginia


Richmond, Virginia
@genebel / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 77.19

Rudest cities: Virginia Beach, Richmond

The Old Dominion State holds the dubious distinction of having the rudest customers and drivers, putting its ranking close to the bottom of the list.

Insurify says drivers in Virginia are particularly prone to not stopping at stop signs — in fact, this behaviour is 40% more frequent in the state compared to the national average.

“I think of it as an unhealthy way of surviving in Northern Virginia. Considering how hella expensive and stressful it is to live here, people are way more likely to take out their inner frustration on customer service providers and strangers,” says hanapse on Reddit.

1. New York


New York, USA, City lights and traffic in Manhattan during the evening hours.

Advertisements

@ako / Twenty20



Rudeness score: 100.05

Rudest cities: New York City, Buffalo

It’s a surprise to literally no one that New York takes the cake for rude behaviour — locals have a reputation for pushing their way through crowds (to be fair, it’s a pretty congested area), swearing on the streets and honking their way through traffic.

Best Life says nearly 15% of the state’s population and 4.5% of its drivers are considered rude.

You’ll find plenty of video footage on YouTube of road rage in the Big Apple. In late 2020, an ugly parking spot dispute in Queens led to one driver socking his rival in the face before driving his car through the glass storefront of a bakery.

“‘Rude’ is too mild or too cutesy a word for what New Yorkers are. Most of the population is highly narcissistic, highly judgmental, first rate bullies, and they can be downright evil. They're only ‘nice’ to those exactly like them, or to look ‘good’ in front of certain people so they'll gain something,” writes Jennifer R Fischer on Quora.

Advertisements

Comments