Maine crowned America's handiest state—while New Jersey lags behind
Some Americans are far more likely to grab a toolbox than call a contractor.
A new nationwide analysis has ranked all 50 states based on how 'handy' their residents really are - and the results show a surprising split between DIY-heavy states and those that lean heavily on professionals.
The study looked at three key factors: how much people spend on housing, how often they search DIY-related terms online, and how many maintenance and trade jobs exist per capita.
The result? A clear picture of where America fixes things themselves... and where they don't.
The Most Handy State in America: Maine
At the very top of the list is Maine, and it takes the crown by a wide margin.
Maine residents spend a significant chunk of their income on housing, but they also show some of the strongest interest in DIY topics online. Add in the highest concentration of maintenance workers in the country, and it's a perfect storm of hands-on home culture.
In short: if something breaks in Maine, there's a good chance someone nearby knows exactly how to fix it.
America's Top 10 'Handiest' States
Here are the states where residents are most likely to roll up their sleeves:
- Maine
- Idaho
- Oregon
- Hawaii
- Vermont
- Montana
- Utah
- Washington
- Arizona
- Louisiana
One standout? Montana, which recorded the highest DIY search interest in the entire country. Even though it didn't crack the top five overall, it shows just how strong the 'do-it-yourself' mindset is there.
Meanwhile, Idaho and Oregon also rank highly thanks to strong DIY interest and solid trade worker presence.
The Least Handy State Might Surprise You
At the other end of the spectrum sits New Jersey, ranked as the least handy state in America.
Despite being one of the more densely populated and economically developed states, New Jersey residents show some of the lowest interest in DIY searches - and relatively few maintenance workers per capita.
That combination lands it firmly in last place.
The 10 Least Handy States in America
These states ranked lowest for DIY culture and maintenance workforce strength:
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Indiana
- South Dakota
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Georgia
A few patterns stand out here: lower DIY search interest, fewer trade workers, and in some cases, high reliance on professional services instead of self-repair.
Even states with high incomes - like Connecticut and Illinois - ranked near the bottom.
What the Data Actually Shows
The study suggests that being 'handy' isn't just about money or homeownership - it's a mix of culture, curiosity, and access to skilled labor.
Some key takeaways:
- High DIY search interest often correlates with higher rankings
- A strong local trade workforce boosts overall 'handiness'
- High income doesn't guarantee DIY culture
- Some states lean heavily on professionals instead of doing it themselves
Montana stands out as a state where DIY interest is extremely high, even if the workforce hasn't fully caught up. Meanwhile, states like New Jersey and Connecticut show consistently low DIY engagement across the board.
Bottom Line
Whether it's fixing a leaky sink or repainting a room, some states clearly embrace the DIY lifestyle more than others.
And while Maine takes the top spot, the real story is just how wide the gap is between America's most and least 'handy' states.
