As of December 2025, the average credit score for Americans stands at 715 on the FICO scale, which is the most widely used model by lenders for decisions on loans, credit cards, and mortgages. This figure has remained remarkably stable over the past few years, showing no significant change from 2023 through much of 2025, according to data from major credit bureaus like Experian and FICO.
For context, credit scores range from 300 to 850, and a score of 715 falls solidly in the “good” category (typically 670-739), meaning it qualifies most people for favorable interest rates and terms, though not the absolute best “excellent” (740+) rates.
This stability comes despite economic pressures like elevated interest rates, rising credit card utilization (now averaging 36.1% of available limits, up from 21.3% in 2024), and the resumption of student loan delinquency reporting after a multi-year moratorium ended in late 2023.
Delinquencies on student loans, in particular, have ticked up, with about 5.8 million borrowers 90+ days past due by early 2025, contributing to slight individual score drops but not shifting the national average.
The VantageScore model, an alternative used by some lenders, reports a slightly lower average of around 701 as of February 2025, reflecting differences in how the models weigh factors like payment history (35% of FICO) and credit utilization (30%).
Understanding the average helps benchmark your own score-about 63% of Americans have a FICO above 699-but it’s worth noting that scores vary widely by demographics, location, and age. Below, I’ll break down key factors, breakdowns, and tips to improve yours, drawing from the latest 2025 data.
Why the Average Has Stayed Steady Amid Challenges
The U.S. credit landscape has faced headwinds in 2025, including persistent inflation, higher borrowing costs, and a 12% rise in 90-day delinquencies from January to February alone (from 7.4% to 8.3% of the population).
Yet, the average FICO score held at 715 through September 2024 and into mid-2025, marking 11 straight years without an annual decline. Experian attributes this resilience to strong overall payment behaviors and a post-pandemic credit boom that began in 2021, when scores rose five points to new highs.
FICO’s analysis highlights a growing “have vs. have-not” divide: The middle-credit bracket (600-749) shrank from 38% in 2021 to 33.8% in 2025, with more people shifting to either super-prime (750+) or subprime (<600) tiers.
Over two million borrowers saw 100+ point drops in Q1 2025 alone, often due to student loans or credit card reliance, but enough high scorers kept the average afloat. Statista’s long-term data shows the score climbing steadily from 678 in 2005 to 715 today, underscoring long-term improvements in credit access and financial literacy.
Average Credit Scores by State: A Regional Breakdown
Credit health isn’t uniform across the U.S.-it correlates with income, employment rates, and cost of living. Northern and Midwestern states dominate the top spots, while Southern states lag, per Experian’s 2024 data (stable into 2025). Minnesota leads with 742 (excellent territory), benefiting from high incomes and low unemployment. At the bottom, Mississippi’s 680 reflects challenges like lower median incomes ($52,985 vs. national $74,580) and higher poverty rates.
Here’s a table of averages for all 50 states, based on Experian and FICO data from April-September 2025 (minimal changes year-over-year):
| Alabama | 692 | Fair |
| Alaska | 724 | Good |
| Arizona | 712 | Good |
| Arkansas | 695 | Fair |
| California | 723 | Good |
| Colorado | 731 | Good |
| Connecticut | 727 | Good |
| Delaware | 713 | Good |
| Florida | 700 | Fair |
| Georgia | 695 | Fair |
| Hawaii | 726 | Good |
| Idaho | 714 | Good |
| Illinois | 718 | Good |
| Indiana | 715 | Good |
| Iowa | 723 | Good |
| Kansas | 720 | Good |
| Kentucky | 705 | Fair |
| Louisiana | 690 | Fair |
| Maine | 719 | Good |
| Maryland | 709 | Good |
| Massachusetts | 720 | Good |
| Michigan | 716 | Good |
| Minnesota | 742 | Excellent |
| Mississippi | 680 | Fair |
| Missouri | 710 | Good |
| Montana | 722 | Good |
| Nebraska | 724 | Good |
| Nevada | 702 | Fair |
| New Hampshire | 736 | Excellent |
| New Jersey | 719 | Good |
| New Mexico | 696 | Fair |
| New York | 714 | Good |
| North Carolina | 703 | Fair |
| North Dakota | 733 | Excellent |
| Ohio | 717 | Good |
| Oklahoma | 699 | Fair |
| Oregon | 728 | Good |
| Pennsylvania | 715 | Good |
| Rhode Island | 718 | Good |
| South Carolina | 695 | Fair |
| South Dakota | 726 | Good |
| Tennessee | 697 | Fair |
| Texas | 695 | Fair |
| Utah | 718 | Good |
| Vermont | 737 | Excellent |
| Virginia | 711 | Good |
| Washington | 735 | Excellent |
| West Virginia | 698 | Fair |
| Wisconsin | 738 | Excellent |
| Wyoming | 721 | Good |
National Average: 715 (Good) Source: Experian (2024 data, stable in 2025); ranges: Excellent (740+), Good (670-739), Fair (580-669), Poor (<580).
Cities show similar patterns: Seattle tops large metros at 732, while Detroit lags at 620. WalletHub’s Q1 2025 data confirms Minnesota’s lead at 725 statewide.
Average Credit Scores by Age: Building Over Time
Scores improve with age and experience, as older Americans have longer credit histories (15% of FICO weight). Gen Z (18-25) averages 681, hampered by limited history and student debt. By contrast, Silent Generation (born pre-1946) hits 760+. Here’s the 2024-2025 breakdown:
| Generation Z | 18-25 | 681 |
| Millennials | 26-41 | 691 |
| Generation X | 42-57 | 719 |
| Baby Boomers | 58-76 | 747 |
| Silent Generation | 77+ | 760 |
Business Insider notes VantageScore averages are lower (e.g., 701 national), but trends hold. Younger borrowers can close the gap faster by focusing on on-time payments and low utilization.
What Influences Your Credit Score?
FICO and VantageScore weigh these factors:
- Payment History (35%): Late payments tank scores; aim for zero in the last 6-12 months.
- Amounts Owed/Utilization (30%): Keep under 30%-ideally 10%-of limits.
- Length of History (15%): Build by keeping old accounts open.
- New Credit (10%): Too many inquiries signal risk.
- Credit Mix (10%): A blend of cards/loans helps.
In 2025, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services are increasingly reported, potentially boosting scores if used responsibly but hurting if missed.
How to Improve Your Score Above the Average
Beating 715 is achievable in 3-6 months with habits like paying on time (use autopay), reducing debt (snowball method), and disputing errors via AnnualCreditReport.com (free weekly reports). Tools like Credit Karma or FICO apps track progress. Avoid new applications during big purchases.
For deeper dives:
- Experian: What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?
- FICO: Score Trends
- WalletHub: Average Credit Score Statistics 2025
If your score is below 715, focus on utilization first-paying down balances can add 20-50 points quickly.
FAQ
Q1: Is 715 a good credit score? Yes, it’s in the “good” range (670-739), qualifying you for most loans at competitive rates, though excellent (740+) unlocks the best deals.
Q2: Why did scores dip slightly in early 2025? Resumed student loan reporting after a moratorium caused delinquencies to hit credit files, plus higher credit card use amid inflation.
Q3: How does the average vary by gender or income? Men average 712, women 718 (small gap); higher incomes correlate with better scores, but data shows wide intra-group variation.
Q4: What’s the difference between FICO and VantageScore averages? FICO (715) is lender-standard; VantageScore (701) uses similar data but different algorithms, often more forgiving for thin files.
Q5: Can I check my score for free? Absolutely-use Credit Sesame, Credit Karma, or your bank’s app; for official FICO, pay $20-$50 or get it via some cards.
