AI attitudes, adoption, and benefits by state: 2026 study (smartasset.com)

A recent study by SmartAsset has ranked U.S. states based on their AI adoption and attitudes, revealing significant disparities across the country. On average, 18.1% of American workers utilize AI in their jobs, with Washington State leading as the top AI adopter, where 22.4% of employees use AI technologies. Additionally, Washington boasts the highest density of AI and data center jobs at nearly 290 per 100,000 residents and an impressive rate of ChatGPT usage. In contrast, Wyoming has the highest percentage of workers using AI at 27.4% but ranks poorly for AI-related job availability, highlighting a disconnect between workforce acceptance and infrastructure support. This study is significant for the AI/ML community as it underscores the varying engagement levels with AI technologies across different states, which can inform policy decisions and business strategies. It also highlights the implications of AI adoption on the job market and personal usage patterns, with states like Virginia and California also showing high rates of ChatGPT use. By understanding these regional differences, stakeholders can better navigate the evolving landscape of AI technologies and their socio-economic impacts, ultimately shaping future workforce development and investment opportunities in the sector.