Nerds Unite! Virginia Just Earned Major Geek Street Cred in This Study
Nerd culture is booming in America, and one study shows that Utah residents are in the thick of it. In a time when cosplay and sci‑fi shows are more popular than ever, it’s no longer uncool to be nerdy.
A recent study reveals that some states stand out when it comes to embracing all things nerdy.
Virginia ranks in second place. Can you guess which state is the nerdiest in the U.S.?
Measuring Nerdiness
The study run by Online Solitaire used monthly Google search data from May 2024 to understand which states are most into nerd culture. Researchers looked at search volumes for ten specific “nerd” topics such as astronomy, cosplay, cryptography, and Rubik’s cube.
By adjusting the numbers per 100,000 residents, the study compared every state fairly, no matter how big or small its population is.
The study also examined the nerdiest cities using three key metrics: the number of nerdy shops, the frequency of nerdy meetups, and search volume data.
They collected shop data from Google Maps, while meetup information was gathered from Meetup.com.
Virginia’s Nerdy Appeal
Virginia earned a second-place spot in the nerdiest states ranking.
With a nerdy search volume of 322.54 per 100,000 residents, Virginians are clearly on board with geek culture.
According to the study, Virginians especially enjoy diving into topics like fan fiction, solving Rubik’s cubes, and dressing up for cosplay events.
The Nerdiest of the Nerds
Washington beats Virginia, with a nerdy search volume of 349.20, making it the nerdiest state in America.
In addition to Washingtonians’ appreciation for fanfiction, Rubik’s cubes, and cosplay, they also appreciate the art of astronomy and larping (that’s live-action role-playing, for all you non-nerds).
CEO Holger Sindbæk comments that “Washington’s strong tech industry, with major players like Microsoft, may influence its nerd culture.
The state’s search volume shows how deeply embedded tech and gaming are in this state.”
Top 10 Nerdiest States
So, what other states are ultra-nerdy? Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most nerdy states in the U.S.
| Rank | State | Nerdy Search Volume |
| 1 | Washington | 349.20 |
| 2 | Virginia | 322.54 |
| 3 | California | 313.25 |
| 4 | Nevada | 303.91 |
| 5 | New York | 303.36 |
| 6 | Utah | 297.41 |
| 7 | Oregon | 294.22 |
| 8 | Colorado | 292.24 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 289.93 |
| 10 | Maryland | 288.99 |
Nerd Culture in America
Across the nation, Americans are embracing everything from tabletop RPGs (role-playing games) to TV shows like The Big Bang Theory.
Events such as comic conventions and fan gatherings are drawing huge crowds and showing the world that being a nerd is the new cool.
It’s becoming increasingly common for fans of nerd culture to feel more confident than ever to talk about their favorite nerd hobbies. Whether it’s discussing a new twist in a comic book or showing off an impressive Rubik’s cube solution, nerds are thankfully here to stay.
City Nerds
In addition to determining the nerdiest states, the study also analyzed data to figure out the nerdiest cities in America.
The result is as follows:
| Rank | City & State | Nerdiness Score |
| 1 | Seattle, WA | 86.32 |
| 2 | Las Vegas, NV | 69.73 |
| 3 | Baltimore, MD | 69.51 |
| 4 | Portland, OR | 58.85 |
| 5 | Boston, MA | 48.93 |
| 6 | Denver, CO | 42.39 |
| 7 | San Francisco, CA | 38.57 |
| 8 | Austin, TX | 35.81 |
| 9 | Louisville, KY | 32.21 |
| 10 | Dallas, TX | 29.90 |
12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit
Ready to add new destinations to your bucket list? From charming main streets to offbeat attractions, these Virginia towns are a great fit for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.
12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit
15 Ways You Can Totally Tell Someone Is a Virginia Transplant
If you’ve ever wondered what gives away a Virginia transplant (or want your transplant self to fit in more), these are some telltale signs you’re interacting with a Virginia transplant.
15 Ways You Can Totally Tell Someone Is a Virginia Transplant
