Tech enthusiasts and crypto-curious California residents lead the list of US states most interested in cryptocurrencies, according to new research by RewardExpert. Google Trends data was analyzed at the state level for searches of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin over the 90-day period from January 15, 2018 to April 15, 2018. Researchers then computed weighted averages to determine rankings.
1. California
Topping the list is tech innovation hub California, the land of Silicon Beach and Silicon Valley, home to Google, Facebook and Apple. Its residents dominated keyword searches for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Ripple, scoring 98, 92, 97 and 85, respectively, out of a possible 100. Search term “cryptocurrency” scored 93. Californians have also put their crypto interests into brick-and-mortar shops, boasting over 500 establishments that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment.
2. New York
Interest in Litecoin and Ethereum boosted New York’s overall trends score for interest in specific currencies to 96.25.
3. New Jersey
Interest in Ripple is higher in New Jersey than anywhere else in the US. New Jersey residents also show more interest in Litecoin than anywhere outside of New York.
4. Washington
Ethereum scored a perfect 100.
5. Alaska
Of all the states, Alaska ranked #1 for highest keyword search for the term “cryptocurrency”, underscoring the state’s libertarian roots and interest in decentralization.
6. Nevada
Home of the Las Vegas strip with 24/7 entertainment and around-the-clock casinos, Nevada never sleeps, like the crypto markets. Interest in cryptocurrency scored 84.
7. Florida
It has an average score of 77 for the term “cryptocurrency” and a score of 74 for specific currency keyword searches.
8. Utah
Bitcoin generated the most interest by search in Utah, with a score of 81.
9. Connecticut
Litecoin scored 85.
10. Colorado
Researchers noted an unusually high interest in Ethereum with a score of 81, five points above the four-currency average.