Being a nerd is no longer something people hide—it’s something they proudly show off. Across the United States, people are getting into nerdy hobbies like cosplay, Rubik’s cubes, fan fiction, and even astronomy. A new study shows that nerd culture is stronger than ever, and some states stand out more than others.
Let’s take a closer look at which states and cities in the U.S. are the nerdiest of them all—and why that’s now considered cool.
How Nerdiness Was Measured
The study was done by Online Solitaire in May 2024. To find out which states love nerd culture the most, researchers used Google search data. They tracked how often people searched for ten different nerdy topics like cryptography, cosplay, Rubik’s cubes, and more.
But it didn’t stop there. The team also looked at nerdy shops on Google Maps and the number of meetups for nerdy activities using Meetup.com. To make it fair, they adjusted the numbers based on each state’s population—so bigger states didn’t get an unfair advantage.
Washington Takes the Nerd Crown
Washington is officially the nerdiest state in America with a search volume of 349.20 per 100,000 people. Residents here love everything from astronomy to cosplay, fan fiction to live-action role playing (LARPing).
Experts believe that the tech industry, especially big names like Microsoft, plays a role in the state’s strong nerd culture. Many people in Washington are into tech, games, and science—which connects well with nerdy interests.
Virginia Is Not Far Behind
Virginia ranks second, with a nerdy search score of 322.54. People in Virginia are fans of fan fiction, solving Rubik’s cubes, and dressing up in creative costumes for cosplay events. Clearly, Virginians are embracing their inner nerds in a big way.
Top 10 Nerdiest States in America
Here are the top ten nerdiest states, based on search data:
- Washington – 349.20
- Virginia – 322.54
- California – 313.25
- Nevada – 303.91
- New York – 303.36
- Utah – 297.41
- Oregon – 294.22
- Colorado – 292.24
- Massachusetts – 289.93
- Maryland – 288.99
Nerdy Cities That Stand Out
It’s not just states that are getting nerdy—certain cities are leading the way too. The top nerdy city in the U.S. is Seattle, Washington. With a nerdiness score of 86.32, it ranks the highest among all cities. Here’s a look at the top 10 cities:
- Seattle, WA – 86.32
- Las Vegas, NV – 69.73
- Baltimore, MD – 69.51
- Portland, OR – 58.85
- Boston, MA – 48.93
- Denver, CO – 42.39
- San Francisco, CA – 38.57
- Austin, TX – 35.81
- Louisville, KY – 32.21
- Dallas, TX – 29.90
Nerd Culture Is Now Cool
Nerd culture has come a long way in the U.S. From comic book heroes to science shows, people are proud to talk about what they love. Events like comic cons are bringing fans together in huge numbers, and TV shows like The Big Bang Theory have made it trendy to be smart, funny, and a little geeky.
Whether you enjoy gaming, puzzles, or dressing up as your favorite character, you’re not alone. Today, nerdy hobbies are helping people make friends, find communities, and enjoy what makes them unique.
It’s clear that nerd culture is growing stronger across the U.S., especially in states like Washington and Virginia. From search trends to in-person meetups, more people are proudly diving into topics like cosplay, astronomy, gaming, and Rubik’s cubes. What used to be seen as odd or unpopular is now fun, social, and even trendy.
With cities like Seattle and Las Vegas leading the way, it’s safe to say that being a nerd is now something to celebrate. So whether you’re into LARPing, fan fiction, or coding puzzles, know that you’re part of a nationwide nerd movement.