scorecardThese are the 10 least innovative states in the U.S.
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These are the 10 least innovative states in the U.S.

10. Nebraska

These are the 10 least innovative states in the U.S.

9. South Dakota

9. South Dakota

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 30.26 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 45 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 40 (out of 51)

South Dakota was the state with the lowest share of technology companies, according to WalletHub.

8. Kentucky

8. Kentucky

bvcWalletHub State Innovation Index: 30.06 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 43 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 42 (out of 51)

7. Hawaii

7. Hawaii

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 29.72 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 42 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 44 (out of 51)

Hawaii is one of the states with the worst eighth grade math and science performances.

6. North Dakota

6. North Dakota

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 29.40 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 49 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 32 (out of 51)

The state ranks 50th for the lowest share of technology companies.

5. Tennessee

5. Tennessee

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 28.54 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 48 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 43 (out of 51)

Tennessee is the third-lowest state in terms of projected STEM job demand by the year 2020.

4. Iowa

4. Iowa

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 28.11 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 46 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 46 (out of 51)

Iowa is in the bottom five for slowest average internet speed and lowest share of technology companies.

3. West Virginia

3. West Virginia

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 27.06 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 47 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 51 (out of 51)

West Virginia ranks in the bottom five in a number of categories, including: lowest venture capital funding per capita; lowest R&D spending per capita; and lowest share of STEM professionals.

2. Louisiana

2. Louisiana

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 21.89 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 50 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 49 (out of 51)

Louisiana is the second-lowest state for venture capital funding per capita. The state also ranks 49th for lowest R&D spending per capita and lowest share of STEM professionals.

1. Mississippi

1. Mississippi

WalletHub State Innovation Index: 19.13 (out of 100)

Human Capital rank: 51 (out of 51)

Innovation Environment rank: 50 (out of 51)

Mississippi came in dead-last for the state with the lowest share of STEM professionals and the lowest projected STEM job demand by 2020. The state also came in at No. 51 for the lowest venture capital funding per capita, and the lowest share of science and engineering graduates 25 and older.

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