Maps, Tables, and Key Findings from the report,
“The Geography of Personality; A Theory of the
Emergence, Persistence and Expression of
Geographic Variation in Basic Traits”.
The Geography of Personality: Key findings
Extraversion
Personality traits: Sociable, energetic and enthusiastic
High-scoring states: North Dakota, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Nebraska,
Minnesota, Georgia, South Dakota, Utah, Illinois, Florida
Low-scoring states: Vermont, Washington, Alaska, New Hampshire, Maryland,
Idaho, Virginia, Oregon, Montana, Massachusetts
Cultural profile: The strongest effect of a high extraversion rating is on how much
people socialise with others. Many people enjoy attending club meetings and
spending time in bars. While outgoing and sociable, they are not necessarily friendly
and warm – their socialising is probably more indiscriminate and not restricted to
close friends. Large proportions of the population are employed in industries where
social interaction is an essential aspect of working life, such as business (eg: sales)
and healthcare (eg: nursing). Rates of robbery and murder are often high. People may
tend to prefer engaging in physical activities that involve other people, rather than
exercising at home.
Agreeableness
Personality traits: Warm, compassionate, co-operative and friendly.
Highest-scoring states: North Dakota, Minnesota, Mississippi, Utah, Wisconsin,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Nebraska
Lowest-scoring states: New York, Nevada, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Alaska,
Maine, Rhode Island, Virginia, Connecticut, Montana
Cultural profile: Friendliness, trust and helpfulness are the dominant characteristics
of a strong A rating. Social activities that promote tight social relations, such as
spending time with friends and entertaining guests at home, are popular. People are
more likely to be religious and attend places of worship. Deaths due to cancer and
heart disease are lower than many other states. The warm, friendly and altruistic
attitude of agreeable people apparently contributes to an environment by characterised
social, psychological and physical health.
Conscientiousness
Personality traits: Dutiful, responsible, self-disciplined.
Highest-scoring states: New Mexico, North Carolina, Georgia, Utah, Kansas,
Oklahoma, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona, Missouri
Lowest-scoring states: Wyoming, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maine, Alaska,
Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York
Cultural profile: Individuals in these states are more likely to place importance on
religion and attend places of worship. Exercising at home is popular, but life
expectancy is relatively low. Entertaining and socialising with friends is less popular
than in many other states. Computer scientists and mathematicians are more likely to
flourish than artists and entertainers. Many people prefer systematic and focused
tasks, and clearly-defined rules and regulations.
Neuroticism
Personality traits: Anxious, stressful and impulsive.
Highest-scoring states: West Virginia, Rhode Island, New York, Mississippi, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Arkansas
Lowest-scoring states: Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, Washington,
Arizona, Nebraska, North Dakota, Nevada
Cultural profile: The impact of neuroticism is particularly strong in relation to public
health. Exercise is less popular and life-expectancy lower. There is a comparatively
high mortality rate due to heart disease and cancer. In states with a high-level
neuroticism rating, people are less likely to go out or spend time with friends.
Entertainment and the arts tend not to flourish in these states.
Openness
Personality traits: Curious, intellectual, creative
Highest-scoring states: District of Columbia, New York, Oregon, Massachusetts,
Washington, California, Vermont, Colorado, Nevada, Maryland
Lowest-scoring states: Wisconsin, Alabama, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota,
Hawaii, Kentucky, Nebraska, Iowa, Delaware
Cultural profile: Liberal values are often strong in states with a high openness rating;
overall, people espouse more tolerant views on marijuana, abortion and gay marriage.
Artistic and investigative occupations are popular; the arts, entertainment and
computer industries are often strong. People prefer jobs that involve a high degree of
abstract and creative thought. Rates of robbery and murder are often high, however.
Conventional value systems, such as those enforced by religion, community or even
the traditional family, are less popular than in other states.