Average American

In an election year, the country’s attention shifts to the average American. Which state best represents the average? Based on an analysis of race, religion, income, education, types of jobs, and lifestyles - Illinois is most like the average American, with Florida close behind. We were initially surprised to see Illinois rank so highly, but on further reflection, it is a state that has northern and southern sensibilities as well as an urban and rural landscape.

On the other hand, the states that are least like the average are obvious. They are the geographic and demographic outliers.