Personality By State

New research out of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom that Americans vary in personality according to what state they live in. Yup, that Woody Allen stereotype of the neurotic New Yorker might not be too far off the mark. New York is among our most neurotic states, along with (more surprisingly) Ohio.

Researchers, led by Dr. Jason Rentfrow, a lecturer in social and political sciences (and originally from Louisiana) used a standard framework developed by personality researchers, called the Five-Factor Model. More than 600,000 people across the United States (including Washington, D.C.) responded to an online survey, marking their agreement on a five-point scale to 44 short statements, such as “I see myself as someone who is very religious” and “I see myself as someone who is outgoing.”

The researchers found “striking geographical trends,” says Rentfrow, including what he calls a “stress belt.” Neuroticism was highest in the east, from Maine to Louisiana. (The full article may be purchased here:

The top 10 in each category:

Extraversion
People in these sociable states are most likely to enjoy attending club meetings or hanging out in bars.
Top 10: North Dakota, Wisconsin, Washington, D.C., Nebraska, Minnesota, Georgia, South Dakota, Utah, Illinois, Florida
Most extraverted: North Dakota
Least extraverted: Maryland

Agreeableness
Folks in these states are likely to go along, get along — they’re warm, compassionate, cooperative and friendly.
Top 10: North Dakota, Minnesota, Mississippi Utah, Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Nebraska
Most agreeable: North Dakota
Least agreeable: Alaska

Conscientiousness
People in these states get the job done. They’re dutiful, responsible and self-disciplined.
Top Ten: New Mexico, North Carolina, Georgia, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona, Missouri
Most conscientious: New Mexico
Least conscientious: Alaska

Neuroticism
Oh, dear, oh, dear. People in these states are likely to be anxious, stressed and impulsive.
Top Ten: West Virginia, Rhode Island, New York, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Arkansas
Most neurotic: West Virginia
Least neurotic: Utah

Openness
Folks in these states are willing to give it a try — they’re curious, intellectual and creative.
Top Ten: Washington, D.C., New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Vermont, Colorado, Nevada, Maryland
Most open: Washington D.C.
Least open: North Dakota