The 10 Least Financially Literate States

The least financially literate state in the nation isn’t actually a state.

Instead, it’s the District of Columbia — the nation’s capital — according to WalletHub.

The website has given each state and Washington, D.C., a numerical score and corresponding grade for its financial literacy.

The scores are based on 12 metrics, such as the percentage of residents with a rainy-day fund and the percentage of residents who spend more than they earn.

The District of Columbia earned an overall score of 51.3 out of 100, which equated to a C+.

The most financially literate state, New Hampshire, earned an overall score of 69.93, which equated to a B.

The most financially literate states are:

1. New Hampshire
2. Minnesota
3. Illinois
4. New Jersey
5. Maryland
6. Maine
7. Florida
8. Utah
9. New York
10. Virginia

The least financially literate states are:

1. District of Columbia
2. Alaska
3. Nevada
4. Arkansas
5. Mississippi
6. New Mexico
7. Missouri
8. Kentucky
9. Louisiana
10. Rhode Island

Ready to put your own financial literacy to the test? Check out this Money Talks News series:

• “Pop Quiz: Is It Better to Have a Tax Credit or a Tax Deduction?“
• “Pop Quiz: Does an Airline Have to Put You Up in a Hotel When Your Flight is Canceled?“
• “Pop Quiz: Who Do You Contact First When You Want to Buy a Home?“
• “Pop Quiz: Terrorists Destroy Your Home. Will the Insurance Company Pay?“
• “Pop Quiz: Does Your Debt Disappear After the Statute of Limitations Runs Out?“
• “Pop Quiz: Can You Profit When Stocks Fall?“
• “Pop Quiz: Does a Store Have to Honor a Misprinted Price?“
• “Pop Quiz: Can a Store Force You to Spend $10 to Use a Credit Card?“

What grade would you give your own financial literacy? Let us know why by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.