Some people are certainly more polite than others. There are areas in which it’s part of the culture to be polite. In others, there’s a cultural push to ignore others or to even be impolite. Each state was ranked with the politeness of its citizens on a 100-point scale.
Unsurprisingly, Southern hospitality was found to be a true phenomenon, while other areas of the country fared worse on the scale.
Methodology
Preply surveyed Americans by state to determine where residents are the most polite. They asked a variety of questions to gauge the importance respondents place on certain “polite” actions, such as opening a door for someone, giving up your seat to someone in need, and more.
They also asked questions regarding the frequency in which respondents take part in certain actions, such as complimenting others, saying “please” and “thank you,” and more. They then assigned points to responses that showed the most polite behavior and averaged respondents’ total scores by state.
Next, they adjusted these scores on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing the most polite behavior. Finally, they ranked those states accordingly to determine where Americans are most polite.
Arkansas
If you want to talk in Arkansas, just strike up a conversation with anyone you see. People are all too eager to get into polite conversations, and they’ll hold the door open for you. They get a politeness score of 99.3.
Georgia
Georgia is another state where hospitality is part of the culture. People there are ready to give you a smile and some encouragement when you need it. They get a score of 98.9.
Alabama
Another Southern hospitality state, it scores 98.6 for politeness. It’s a place where you can talk to anyone you meet, and it won’t seem strange. It’s easy to make friends in the Heart of Dixie.
South Carolina
Following closely behind Alabama is South Carolina, with a score of 98.5. South Carolinians are polite to each other as well as to any travelers who are there to see the beautiful sights.
Tennessee
Like most Southern States, Tennessee residents make politeness a priority. They don’t let an opportunity to be polite pass them by. They get a score of 98 out of 100 for their excellent manners.
Kentucky
The Bluegrass State doesn’t leave anyone blue- it’s polite to everyone. It’s a place that’ll lend help when it’s needed and make sure everyone has a polite interaction with them. They have a score of 97.9.
Kansas
The first non-Southern state on the list, Kansas, represents the Midwest well. It scores 97.6 for the multitude of people who are ready to offer you a smile and courteous conversation.
Louisiana
Back in the South, this is a state where everyone knows everyone. Once you visit it, they’ll know you, too. It gets a score of 97.3 for its rampant politeness and the courteous way people speak and act.
North Carolina
Like many of the states around it, North Carolina residents emphasized being polite. No one in the state would want others to think they’re rude, and they act accordingly. They get a score of 97.1.
Michigan
People in Michigan are nearly as polite as those in the South. The residents of this state go the extra mile to show that they’re friendly and welcoming. This state scores 97.
Minnesota
Minnesota natives are known for their cheerful attitudes and polite nature. They’re always ready with a welcoming gesture and a compliment. This state gets a score of 96.8.
Ohio
People in this Midwestern state make an effort to be as polite as possible as often as possible. They score 96.7 for their ability to make others feel welcome and included.
Mississippi
You’ll never meet a stranger in Mississippi. Everyone’s ready to stop and talk and pass the time of day. It’s easy to be polite when everyone is so polite to you! This state scores 96.4.
Utah
Utah may not be in the South or Midwest, but it has its high level of politeness. The beautiful scenery is made even sweeter by the friendly welcome of those who live there. It scores 96.
Virginia
With a score of 95.5, residents of Virginia know how to put others at ease with a few nice words. Their politeness helps make this area a courteous place to live or visit.
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