Average ACT Scores by State (Most Recent)

Did you recently get your ACT scores back and are now wondering how your score compares with those of other test takers in your state? Or perhaps you're curious as to how your state's average ACT score stacks up against other state averages.

For this article, we compiled the average ACT scores by state, as well as the average in each subject area, using the latest data from ACT, Inc. Read on to learn how your state's SAT data—and your ACT score—compare with the averages in the rest of the country.

What's the National Average ACT Score?

More than one million students nationwide took the ACT in 2022/2023—1.4 million, to be precise. Out of all of those tests, the national average scores came out as follows:

Sources: ACT National Profile Report 2023

Remember that each ACT section, and the overall composite score, are scored between 1 and 36.

This means that if you get a composite score of 20 or higher, you will beat 54% of the other high school students in the country. If you get significantly higher than a 20, you will have beaten out a majority of test takers. Likewise, if you get lower than a 20, a majority of test takers will have beaten your score.

But what about the ACT averages in your state, specifically? Read on to learn how well you have to do on the exam to be considered above average in your home state.

All Average ACT Scores by State (2023)

The following table contains all ACT state averages for the class of 2023 (the most recent data available). We've also included state participation rates to give you an idea of the reach of the ACT in each state and the size of the population being tested.

Source: Average ACT Scores by State Graduating Class 2023

ACT Averages by State: Hall of Fame

Now that you've had a chance to skim the list of state ACT averages, we thought it would be fun to highlight the highs and lows of the United States' ACT performance. See if your state made the cut below!

Highest ACT State Scores: Connecticut and Massachusetts

Connecticut and Massachusetts had the highest ACT score in the country in 2023, with an average composite of 26.4, just above District of Columbia (26.0) , California (25.7), and New York (25.3). 

However, it should be noted that these districts/states have relatively low ACT participation: Both Connecticut and Massachusetts have only 8%, District of Columbia has 17%, California has just 4%, and New York has 9%. This is because the SAT is more popular in these districts/states.

So what does this data mean? Ultimately, it suggests that those taking the ACT in these states are ambitious, college-bound students looking to improve their applications, which would make for a higher average ACT score.

Team Players: 100% ACT Participation

There are six states with 100% ACT participation. These states have made the ACT (or, in Tennessee's case, either the ACT or SAT) a mandatory part of their statewide testing regimens, helping high school students better prepare for their college applications.

• Alabama
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• Tennessee
• Wyoming

Highest ACT State Score With 100% Participation: Wyoming and Kentucky

Out of the eight states that currently have 100% ACT participation, the state with the highest average score has a lot to be proud of because that average represents the entire high school population of that state.

So who wins? Wyoming tops the list, with a 19.0 average composite score.  The runner-up is Kentucky with an 18.7 average composite. 

Lowest Participation: Maine

Maine wins this one, with just 2% of its students taking the ACT. This is likely because the SAT is still the test of choice in that northeastern state. However, the SAT, which was once required in Maine, is now optional as well.

Lowest ACT State Score: Nevada

Nevada earns the dubious honor of getting the lowest average ACT score, with an average composite of 17.2.

This low average is likely because Nevada mandated statewide ACT testing starting in 2016. In general, big jumps in test takers often result in lower averages. As such, this new average is noticeably lower than Nevada's 2015 average of 21, back when just some students took the ACT.

As the ACT becomes a staple of Nevada's state testing regimen, averages will likely increase.

Key Takeaways: Average ACT Scores by State

As you can see, the average ACT score can change pretty dramatically depending on which state you're looking at.

Nationally, the average composite ACT score is 19.5—but many states' averages are higher or lower than this. In general, states with 100% participation rates tend to have lower averages, whereas states with low participation rates tend to have higher averages.

In terms of notable states, here's a quick wrap-up of the ACT "awards" we gave above:

• Highest ACT State Score:  Connecticut and Massachusetts (26.4 average)
  
  
• Team Players: 100% ACT Participation
  
  • Alabama
  • Louisiana
  • Kentucky
  • Nevada
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Wyoming

• Score With 100% Participation: Wyoming (19.0 average)
  
  
• Lowest ACT State Score: Nevada (17.2 average)

If you're ever curious about what ACT score you need to aim for to be considered above average for your state, simply come back to this page, check the chart, and see whether your state made our Hall of Fame!

What's Next?

Want more context for your ACT score? Learn more about the national ACT average score and ACT score percentiles.

What ACT scores are considered good by various colleges? Check out our guide to developing a target ACT score based on the schools you want to apply to.

Wondering about what your composite ACT score represents in terms of right and wrong answers? Learn the ins and outs of ACT scoring, and get tips to help you use this info to your advantage.

Trying to maximize your ACT score? Avoid this common ACT mistake to improve your composite score. Also, check out our top strategies to raise your ACT essay score.