Average FICO® Score in Tennessee
The average FICO® score in Tennessee is 706, which is 9 points below the national average of 715. That puts Tennessee at #36 out of all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Tennessee Average
706
+1 from previous year
National Average
715
FICO® Score (2024)
Difference
-9
Below national avg
Where Tennessee Falls on the FICO® Scale
Credit Score Insights for Tennessee
Tennessee Quick Facts
State Ranking
#36 of 51
Score Category
Good
Capital
Nashville
Largest City
Nashville
Major Cities in Tennessee
Credit scores can vary significantly between cities within Tennessee. Urban areas with stronger job markets and higher incomes tend to have higher average scores, while rural areas may see more variation.
How to Improve Your Credit Score in Tennessee
Whether your score is above or below Tennessee's average of 706, these strategies can help you build stronger credit:
Pay every bill on time
Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. Set up autopay or calendar reminders to avoid missed payments.
Keep credit utilization below 30%
Try to use less than 30% of your available credit across all cards. Below 10% is even better. This factor accounts for 30% of your score.
Check your credit reports for errors
Request free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureau. Errors are more common than you might think.
Don't close old credit accounts
Length of credit history is 15% of your score. Keeping older accounts open (even if unused) helps maintain a longer average account age.
Limit new credit applications
Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score. Only apply for new credit when you actually need it.
FICO® Score Factor Weights
Source: myfico.com
South Region: State-by-State Comparison
| State | Avg. Score | Rank | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 723 | #15 | +8 |
| District of Columbia | 715 | #26 | +0 |
| Maryland | 715 | #26 | +0 |
| Delaware | 714 | #27 | -1 |
| North Carolina | 709 | #33 | -6 |
| Florida | 707 | #35 | -8 |
| Tennessee | 706 | #36 | -9 |
| Kentucky | 705 | #37 | -10 |
| West Virginia | 702 | #38 | -13 |
| South Carolina | 700 | #39 | -15 |
| Oklahoma | 696 | #40 | -19 |
| Arkansas | 695 | #41 | -20 |
| Georgia | 695 | #41 | -20 |
| Texas | 695 | #41 | -20 |
| Alabama | 692 | #44 | -23 |
| Louisiana | 690 | #47 | -25 |
| Mississippi | 680 | #51 | -35 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Credit Scores in Tennessee
What is the average credit score in Tennessee?
Is 706 a good credit score in Tennessee?
How does Tennessee's credit score compare to other states?
How can I improve my credit score in Tennessee?
Related Guides
Browse All State Credit Scores
Data source: Experian State of Credit Report, September 2024. View full report. All credit score data is based on FICO® Score 8 model. State averages represent all consumers with a FICO score in each state.
CreditFicoScores Editorial
Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and fact-checks every article using official sources: FICO, the CFPB, the FTC, the Federal Reserve, and the three major credit bureaus. We never publish unverified data.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional before making credit or financial decisions. See our financial disclaimer for details.