1Unemployment figures are from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.2Family income figures are from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.3Foreclosure figures are from Realty Trac.
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Minneapolis, MN 787Madison, WI 786Wausau, WI 785
Sioux Falls, SD 784Cedar Rapids, IA 783
San Francisco, CA 783Green Bay, WI 781La Crosse, WI 779
Boston, MA 778Duluth, MN 777
688 Harlingen, TX 702 Jackson, MS 706 Corpus Christi, TX 708 Shreveport, LA 709 Monroe, LA710 Augusta, GA 710 El Paso, TX710 Myrtle Beach, SC 711 Memphis, TN 713 Savannah, GA
Highest average VantageScores
Lowest average VantageScores
Seven out of the 10 lowest-ranking cities
improved their credit scores.
Savannah, Memphis and Myrtle Beach are new
to the bottom 10.
Corpus Christi had the largest credit score
increase in the bottom 10.
Eight out of the 10 top-ranking cities improved their credit
scores with Sioux Falls having the largest increase.
Minneapolis reclaimed the number one spot after losing it in 2011 for the first
time in four years.
Duluth is new to the top 10 this year.
TOP CITIES
BOTTOM CITIES
VantageScore is based on the traditional A, B, C, D and F rating scale.
All credit scores are measured in a numeric range, from 501 to 990.
VantageScore guide
501–599F
600–699D
700–799C
800–899B
900–990A
National average VantageScore®
The national average credit
score increased from 749 to 750.
A glimpse into the �nancial picture of our nation …
Unemployment decreased from 9.2% to 8.2%.1
Foreclosures decreased by
12.59%.3
Average number of late
payments decreased
by 2%.
Average debt increased by 1.4%.
Median family income increased
by 1.23% from $64,200 to $65,000.2
Las Vegas, NV Bakersfield, CA
Most-improved citiesThese cities pulled themselves out of the bottom 10
and improved their standings for the first time in recent years.
Increased its credit score by five points, 709–714
Average debt is $24,911; decreased by 0.26%
Average available creditincreased 0.25%– Not maxing out its credit as much
Unemployment is 12.1%; decreased by 2.5%
Foreclosures decreased by 162.54%
Increased credit score by eight points, to 717– Increased its credit score the most (by 1.07%) and their average debt decreased the most (by 1.24%)
Reduced its late payments by 27.79%
Unemployment is 13.9%, but it decreased by 10.1%
Foreclosures decreased by 15.01%
EXPERIAN’S THIRD ANNUAL CREDIT STUDY
Analysis methodology
This analysis is based on a statistically relevant sampling of Experian’s consumer credit
database. Analyzed credit files did not contain personal identification information. Credit scores for the State of Credit report were based on the average VantageScore by designated market area (DMA) from January through June 2012.
About VantageScore®
VantageScore is the credit industry’s first credit rating scale, developed jointly by Experian, Equifax
and TransUnion. VantageScore uses both a number (501–990) and a letter grade (A, B, C, D or F).
Higher scores represent a lower likelihood of risk.
For more information, visit www.LiveCreditSmart.com.