Two Midwest neighbors just landed near the top of a brand-new money ranking.
Quick Summary: A new BrokerChooser study on the most financially responsible states ranks Wisconsin No. 3 and Minnesota No. 4 nationwide. Minnesota posted the nation's highest average credit score, 742, while Wisconsin led in low credit-card debt and retirement savings, KROC-AM reported.
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Most Financially Responsible States: Where Wisconsin and Minnesota Landed
A new study is turning heads in the Midwest. It looked at which states handle money the best. Wisconsin came in at number three. Minnesota landed right behind at number four. That means both states beat almost every other state in the country.
The study comes from BrokerChooser, a website run by online broker experts. They did not just guess. They looked at real numbers from every state to build this list of the most financially responsible states.
No. 1: Vermont topped the entire list. No. 2: Iowa took second place.
No. 3: Wisconsin earned a top-five spot. No. 4: Minnesota followed close behind.
What BrokerChooser Actually Measured
This ranking is not about who makes the most money. It is about financial habits. The study looked at a few key things in each state.
Average credit scores: A higher score usually means people pay bills on time. Average credit card debt: Lower debt can mean better spending habits.
Retirement savings: This shows how ready people are for the future. Online searches: The study even checked how often people searched for things like "buy now, pay later" or loans.
That last point is interesting. Searching for loans or payment plans could mean someone is struggling. But it could also just mean they are shopping around or curious. The study treated these searches as a clue about borrowing habits across each state.
Why Wisconsin and Minnesota Scored So Well
Each state earned its spot for different reasons. They did not win for the same thing.
Wisconsin's strength: Low average credit card debt, a strong credit score, and healthy retirement savings all helped push Wisconsin to number three. Minnesota's strength: A sky-high average credit score. KROC-AM reported Minnesota's average credit score is 742, calling it the highest in the entire country.
KROC-AM summed it up simply, writing that "Wisconsin came in at number three with Minnesota right behind at number four." The outlet called both results "super impressive."
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This Ranking Does Not Mean What You Might Think
It is easy to assume a state with great financial habits must also be the richest or cheapest place to live. That is not true here. This study only measures a few specific financial behaviors. It does not measure income, job growth, housing costs, or overall quality of life.
Other rankings prove this point. A separate WalletHub 2026 study on best states to live in placed Wisconsin third and Minnesota eighth, using totally different factors like affordability, education, health, and safety. Minnesota shined in education and health in that ranking. Wisconsin scored higher on economy and safety.
Income rankings tell yet another story. A WalletHub comparison found Minnesota ranked eighth nationally for income adjusted to cost of living, with an adjusted median household income of $90,632. Wisconsin landed much lower, at thirtieth, in that same income-focused list. So being financially responsible and being high-income are two very different things.
How This Ranking Fits the Bigger Picture
Wisconsin and Minnesota often show up near the top of all kinds of state rankings, but rarely in the exact same spot twice. That is because each study picks different things to measure.
Financial responsibility ranking: Wisconsin No. 3, Minnesota No. 4, based on credit scores, debt, and savings. Best states to live ranking: Wisconsin No. 3, Minnesota No. 8, based on affordability, health, and safety. Income ranking: Minnesota No. 8, Wisconsin No. 30, based on cost-of-living adjusted earnings.
This pattern shows why it matters to read past the headline number. A state can be great at saving money and paying down debt while still ranking lower on income or affordability. The full picture needs more than one list.
No government officials, banks, or credit agencies have issued an official statement responding to the BrokerChooser findings so far. There is also no sign of a follow-up report or updated methodology release at this time. Since credit scores, debt levels, and savings change often, future versions of this ranking could shuffle the order again.
