These 10 States Are the Nerdiest in America, According to New Data
Whether you’re into tabletop RPGs, cosplay, or astronomy, nerd culture is thriving in the U.S., and some states are leaning into it harder than others. Thanks to the rise of comic cons, fan meetups, and TV shows like Doctor Who and The Big Bang Theory, being a “nerd” is no longer a niche thing. It’s mainstream. And according to new data from Online Solitaire, certain states are fully embracing their inner geek.
The study analyzed monthly search volumes for 10 classic nerd topics—from larping to Rubik’s cubes—normalized per 100,000 residents. The higher the nerdy search activity, the higher the ranking.
So, where exactly are America’s nerdiest states? Here’s the top 10, starting with #10…
10. Maryland
Nerdy Search Volume: 288.99
Maryland rounds out the list with strong search interest in all things nerdy—from cosplay to fanfiction. Its proximity to major cities and universities probably helps foster a vibrant nerd community. You’ll find everything from board game cafes to astronomy clubs throughout the state.
9. Massachusetts
Nerdy Search Volume: 289.93
Home to MIT and Harvard, it’s no surprise that Massachusetts made the cut. Between tech innovation and a love of logic puzzles, this state’s intellectual energy clearly spills over into nerd culture. Whether it’s Dungeons & Dragons meetups or cosplay conventions in Boston, Massachusetts keeps it geeky.
And if you’re planning a nerdy pilgrimage to Boston, don’t miss this list I put together on fun things to do in the city—it’s got a little something for every type of traveler, including some surprisingly nerdy stops.
8. Colorado
Nerdy Search Volume: 292.24
Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle meets nerd culture in unique ways—think stargazing hikes and science-themed festivals. Search trends suggest a solid interest in astronomy, TTRPGs, and fanfiction. And Denver has a surprisingly robust board game scene, too.
If you’re headed to the Mile High City, check out my full Denver itinerary for a fun mix of adventure, food, and yes, some wonderfully nerdy stops along the way.
7. Oregon
Nerdy Search Volume: 294.22
Quirky and proud of it, Oregon is home to everything from vintage video game shops to niche sci-fi conventions. Portland’s love for all things indie translates well into nerd culture, and the data shows high interest in cosplay and Rubik’s cubes.
6. Utah
Nerdy Search Volume: 297.41
Utah might surprise you, but it turns out there’s a lot of passion for larping, custom-built PCs, and tabletop games here. Nerd culture is thriving in both urban and suburban areas, and Salt Lake City even hosts its own major comic con.
5. New York
Nerdy Search Volume: 303.36
From anime cons in the city to Star Wars marathons upstate, New York is nerdy in all the best ways. There’s strong interest across the board in fanfiction, cosplay, and gaming. The city that never sleeps is also the city that never stops binge-watching sci-fi.
4. Nevada
Nerdy Search Volume: 303.91
Vegas isn’t just about glitz and gambling—it’s also a haven for nerds. The city ranks high for nerdy meetups and specialty shops. Whether it’s superhero-themed bars or late-night board game cafés, Nevada is definitely rolling a natural 20 in nerd culture.
3. California
Nerdy Search Volume: 313.25
Between Silicon Valley and Hollywood, California is basically nerd central. While searches for custom PC builds and TTRPGs are a little lower here, Californians more than make up for it with massive interest in fanfiction, cosplay, and pop culture events. Comic-Con, anyone?
2. Virginia
Nerdy Search Volume: 322.54
Virginia might fly under the radar, but this state is deeply nerdy, from science lovers to Rubik’s cube masters. The state shows consistent enthusiasm for cosplay, fanfiction, and larping. Bonus points for its thriving tech and gaming communities.
1. Washington
Nerdy Search Volume: 349.20
Taking the crown as the nerdiest state in the U.S.? Washington. With a massive tech scene (hello, Microsoft) and a high concentration of gaming, fanfiction, and astronomy enthusiasts, this state is basically a nerd utopia. Live-action role-play and cosplay are major hobbies here, and Seattle’s comic con scene is next level.
If you’re planning a trip to Washington State, check out my ultimate Washington road trip itinerary!
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