New Study Finds the Most Cultural States in the US

Staff Report

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

  • New Mexico is the most cultural state, with the state having the highest percentage of cultural attractions

  • Mississippi and Kansas take second and third, respectively 

New research has revealed the most cultural states in the US, with New Mexico coming out on top.

The study by vacation rental marketplace Florida Rentals analyzed the number of landmarks, museums, and art galleries in all 50 states as a percentage of the total attractions available.

It found that New Mexico is the most cultural state in the US. The state is home to 367 sights and landmarks, 505 museums, and 334 art galleries meaning that out of the 2,751 attractions in the state, 43.84% were considered cultural, the highest percentage of any US state.

Mississippi takes second on the list, with 38.05% of all 1,377 attractions in the state being cultural. The state has 310 sights and landmarks, as well as 173 museums, followed by 41 art galleries.

Coming in third place is the state of Kansas. According to findings, there are 1,636 attractions in the state, with 37.65% of these being cultural attractions. The state is home to 330 sights and landmarks, 247 museums, and 39 art galleries.

Fourth place goes to North Dakota, with a total of 653 attractions, 36.75% of which are cultural. The state has 169 sights and landmarks, 64 museums, and seven art galleries.

Rounding out the top five is Rhode Island. 35.62% of the 1,499 attractions in the state are considered cultural, with there being 360 sights and landmarks, 125 museums, and 49 art galleries.

#

State

Total attractions

Total landmarks

Total museums

Total art galleries

Total cultural

Cultural as % of total attractions

1

New Mexico

2,751

367

505

334

1,206

43.84%

2

Mississippi

1,377

310

173

41

524

38.05%

3

Kansas

1,636

330

247

39

616

37.65%

4

North Dakota

653

169

64

7

240

36.75%

5

Rhode Island

1,499

360

125

49

534

35.62%

6

West Virginia

1,370

284

122

36

442

32.26%

7

Vermont

1,656

307

148

74

529

31.94%

8

Massachusetts

6,812

1,223

631

266

2,120

31.12%

9

South Dakota

1,166

192

135

31

358

30.70%

10

Delaware

828

150

75

20

245

29.59% 

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Florida Rentals said: “While the larger, more populated states may offer a larger range of attractions, this data highlights which states are focusing on encapsulating culture the most. Whether it be through expressing history through museums and landmarks or showcasing creativity through art, it’s also a great draw for tourism.”

This study was conducted by Florida Rentals, which offers Florida vacation homes with no service or booking fees in the most popular locations in the Sunshine State.