SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport ranks among the lowest U.S. cities for average credit scores, placing 181st out of 182 cities in a new report from personal finance website WalletHub.
The study found Shreveport residents have an average credit score of 590, the second-lowest in the nation. Only Detroit ranked lower, with an average score of 570.
WalletHub compared credit scores across 182 U.S. cities to identify where residents demonstrate the strongest and weakest credit management habits. Credit scores are widely used by lenders to determine loan eligibility, interest rates and borrowing limits.
Within Louisiana, other cities also ranked in the lower half of the study. Baton Rouge placed 157th with an average credit score of 604, while New Orleans ranked 145th with an average score of 610.
At the top of the list, South Burlington, Vermont, ranked first with an average credit score of 697. Fremont, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, tied for second place, both averaging 688.
“Having a good or excellent credit score opens up so many doors for you,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report. “Not only does it help you get approved for future loans and lines of credit, but it also reduces your interest rate and increases the amount you’re able to borrow.”
Higher credit scores are often associated with stronger financial stability, including higher incomes and responsible credit use. Lower scores, by contrast, can make borrowing more expensive and limit access to financial products.
WalletHub analysts note that maintaining a good credit score typically requires paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low relative to available limits and monitoring credit reports regularly for errors.
The report analyzed average credit scores across major U.S. cities to highlight regional differences in financial habits and credit management.