Introduction: What Beauty Looks Like Across the U.S.
What does it mean to be beautiful in 2025? Is it flawless skin? A dazzling smile? Or something harder to define—like charisma, confidence, or style?
At HubMedEd, we teamed up with AI to find out. Using facial recognition tools and expert analysis, we reviewed over 300 well-known faces—from actors and athletes to musicians and media personalities—across all 50 U.S. states. Each face was scored in five categories: facial harmony, skin quality, smile and expression, grooming and style, and that elusive spark we call charisma.
The result? A first-of-its-kind look at which states scored highest for beauty—and what that reveals about regional trends, lifestyle, and self-expression.
Whether you're an aesthetic pro or just curious about how beauty shows up in different corners of the country, this study offers more than rankings. It’s a snapshot of modern beauty in all its forms: natural, polished, cultural, and confidently unique.
U.S. Heatmap: Where Beauty Ranks Highest
This heatmap shows how each state scored in our beauty index—based on facial harmony, skin health, grooming, and expression.
Coastal states like New York and California topped the list with polished features and strong personal style. In the Midwest and South, scores reflected a more natural, balanced appeal—less about glamor, more about authenticity.
From Alaska to Florida, the map reveals how beauty shows up differently across the U.S.—and why every region brings something unique to the table.
Key Findings at a Glance
- New York ranks #1 overall, thanks to a combination of strong facial symmetry, refined personal style, and standout screen presence.
- California follows closely, driven by its Hollywood heritage, high grooming standards, and a relaxed, confident aesthetic.
- Texas lands firmly in the top 10, blending rugged masculinity with well-groomed charisma—especially among male icons.
- Midwestern standouts like Ohio (#4) and Pennsylvania (#5) defy stereotypes, earning high marks for balanced features, skin clarity, and a naturally warm presence.
- Gender dynamics: Male scores were boosted by grooming, structure, and charisma. Female scores leaned more heavily on skin quality and facial harmony.
The bigger picture: The top-ranking states combine structure and style with personal expression—showing that beauty is as much about presence and culture as it is about symmetry or skin tone.
How AI Measured Beauty Across the U.S.
What makes someone’s face stand out? At HubMedEd, we believe beauty is more than symmetry or smooth skin. It’s a mix of structure, health, style, and that hard-to-define spark that makes someone feel magnetic.
To explore how beauty shows up across America, we used AI to analyze over 300 well-known faces—men and women from every U.S. state. Each was scored across five key categories:
- Facial Harmony – The balance and proportion between features like the eyes, nose, lips, and jawline.
- Skin Quality – Visible health in skin tone, texture, and clarity.
- Smile & Expression – How warmth, confidence, and natural expression influence first impressions.
- Grooming & Style – Hair, polish, and how someone presents themselves overall.
- Charisma – That intangible presence—how someone carries themselves, both on and off screen.
We used AI tools to assess facial symmetry and visual details consistently, then interpreted the results through the lens of aesthetic medicine and culture.
Why it matters: This study isn’t just about looks. It’s about understanding how features, personality, and regional identity come together to shape how beauty is perceived—both in real life and in clinical settings.
Top 10 States for Overall Beauty: Where Looks Meet Local Style
What makes a face beautiful? It’s not just symmetry or clear skin—it’s also expression, confidence, and how someone’s style reflects where they’re from.
Our AI analysis looked at more than just features. It also considered grooming, charisma, and the overall vibe each person gives off. The result is a top 10 list that blends aesthetic appeal with cultural personality.
These states lead the way in combining striking features with a strong sense of self—showing that beauty is both seen and felt.
Top 10 States for Overall Beauty
These 10 states scored highest in our beauty index, combining great features, glowing skin, and personal style with a strong sense of regional identity. From Hollywood glamour to East Coast polish, here’s where beauty and culture come together:
1. New York — Urban Sophistication
Final Score: 89.0
Top Male: Timothée Chalamet | Top Female: Lady Gaga
New York leads the list with bold features, confident energy, and a signature city style that feels both classic and modern.
2. California — Relaxed Glamour
Final Score: 88.5
Top Male: Leonardo DiCaprio | Top Female: Zendaya
From perfect skin to effortless cool, California blends Hollywood polish with beach-town ease.
3. Massachusetts — Classic and Composed
Final Score: 86.9
Top Male: Chris Evans | Top Female: Eliza Dushku
Refined, understated, and balanced—Massachusetts has a timeless beauty that’s all about clean lines and quiet charm.
4. Ohio — Balanced and Grounded
Final Score: 86.9
Top Male: LeBron James | Top Female: Halle Berry
With strong features and a natural presence, Ohio’s aesthetic is approachable, healthy, and confidently low-key.
5. Pennsylvania — Polished Presence
Final Score: 86.9
Top Male: Bradley Cooper | Top Female: Taylor Swift
Pennsylvania scores high on symmetry and poise, with faces that balance warmth and sharpness.
6. Texas — Confident and Charismatic
Final Score: 86.9
Top Male: Matthew McConaughey | Top Female: Beyoncé
Big features, bold smiles, and Southern charisma—Texas brings presence and polish in equal measure.
7. Arizona — Sun-Kissed Style
Final Score: 86.8
Top Male: Joe Jonas | Top Female: Emma Stone
Radiant skin and easy expression give Arizona a fresh, breezy beauty rooted in desert glow and natural charm.
8. Louisiana — Creative Elegance
Final Score: 86.8
Top Male: Odell Beckham Jr. | Top Female: Reese Witherspoon
With warm features and strong style, Louisiana’s look is soulful, expressive, and full of personality.
9. Minnesota — Clean-Cut Confidence
Final Score: 86.8
Top Male: Josh Hartnett | Top Female: Jessica Lange
Strong bone structure, clear skin, and quiet charm give Minnesota a fresh, all-American appeal.
10. New Jersey — Bold and Balanced
Final Score: 86.8
Top Male: Jon Bon Jovi | Top Female: Anne Hathaway
Symmetry meets edge in New Jersey, where striking features and East Coast flair create a confident, charismatic style.
The Bottom 5 States for Overall Beauty
Authentic Style, Natural Vibes
Not every state topped the leaderboard for symmetry, grooming, or charisma—but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in beauty. These five states landed lower in our overall rankings, often reflecting a more low-key, natural look.
From rugged features to relaxed styling, these places offer a reminder that beauty comes in many forms—and sometimes, the most striking looks are also the most unfiltered.
This isn’t about falling short—it’s about celebrating the diversity of how we define good looks across the U.S.
1. Alaska: Rugged, Natural Confidence
Alaska’s look mirrors its environment—bold, raw, and unfiltered. The data points to a beauty shaped by nature and resilience, with less focus on polish and more on presence.
2. Idaho: Unpretentious and Balanced
Idaho’s aesthetic is clean, healthy, and quietly confident. It’s a no-fuss kind of beauty—grounded in balance rather than trends.
3. Montana: Subtle Elegance
In Montana, beauty shows up in softer ways. With calm expressions and timeless features, the state reflects a strong but understated sense of style.
4. Mississippi: Soulful and Warm
Mississippi’s scores lean more expressive than structured. What stands out is personality—faces here carry a warmth and cultural depth that go beyond surface metrics.
5. Iowa: Youthful and Real
Iowa’s beauty feels fresh, familiar, and down-to-earth. While it may not score high in grooming or symmetry, the state’s wholesome, approachable vibe has its own charm.
Top 5 States With the Most Beautiful Women: Where Female Beauty Thrives
1. Arizona – Radiant and Effortless
Arizona tops the list with a glow that feels natural and relaxed. Think Emma Stone—fresh, expressive, and confidently understated.
2. New Jersey – Polished and Poised
From Anne Hathaway to everyday icons, New Jersey women pair East Coast elegance with charisma. The vibe is refined but real.
3. Texas – Bold and Magnetic
Texas women bring presence. Beyoncé captures the mix of warmth, power, and glamour that makes the Lone Star State shine.
4. Alabama – Youthful and Charming
Alabama’s look is vibrant and approachable. With expressive features and Southern flair, women like Hannah Brown reflect a confident, natural beauty.
5. New York – Edgy and Iconic
New York women lead with style and substance. Lady Gaga channels the fearless creativity and polished presence that define the state’s aesthetic edge.
Top 5 States With the Most Beautiful Men: Confidence and Charisma
1. New York – Stylish and Magnetic
From Timothée Chalamet to countless local icons, New York men embody a sharp, expressive look—refined, confident, and culturally influential.
2. California – Effortless Cool
California men bring a relaxed charm rooted in wellness and diversity. Think Leonardo DiCaprio—clean, calm, and quietly iconic.
3. Texas – Rugged with Polish
Texas blends strong features with modern style. Matthew McConaughey channels the state’s bold, down-to-earth energy.
4. Massachusetts – Classic Strength
Massachusetts men, like Chris Evans, reflect a clean, classic look. It’s symmetry with substance—timeless and approachable.
5. Ohio – Grounded and Authentic
Ohio stands out for its honest, confident vibe. LeBron James captures the Midwestern mix of balance, presence, and quiet charisma.
Insight: Why Some States Excelled by Gender
Certain states stood out more strongly for one gender—and the reasons go beyond features.
In places like Arizona and Alabama, women scored especially high thanks to polished looks, fresh energy, and expressive style. In contrast, Texas and Massachusetts saw standout male scores driven by bold features, confident grooming, and strong cultural presence.
Grooming habits also played a role. States with high style standards—like New York and California—ranked consistently well for both men and women.
The takeaway? Beauty isn’t just about symmetry. It’s a combination of culture, confidence, and how people choose to present themselves.
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Cultural Commentary: Beyond the Numbers
Beauty doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s shaped by the places we live, the lifestyles we lead, and the values we carry.
From Arizona’s sunlit, laid-back glow to New York’s high-style confidence, every state reflects its own version of beauty—one that goes beyond symmetry to express identity and culture.
These rankings aren’t just about looks. They offer a snapshot of how different regions define and express beauty in their own way.
Expert Insight: A Holistic Approach to Beauty
“Beauty isn’t just about symmetry—it’s about how someone carries themselves. Confidence, personality, and even regional style all play a role. That’s what makes beauty feel personal—and powerful.”
— Dr. Simone Hartley, MD, Aesthetic Medicine Educator at HubMedEd
This data reminds us that beauty is never one-dimensional. It’s shaped by structure, yes—but also by culture, charisma, and context. For anyone working in aesthetics, or simply curious about what makes someone ‘glow,’ the takeaway is clear: the most impactful beauty always starts with the whole person.
Pro Insight & Further Learning
Curious about how to sharpen your eye for facial balance, skin health, and expressive beauty? HubMedEd offers expert-led courses that explore both the science and the story behind aesthetics. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just passionate about the topic, our resources help bring cultural nuance and clinical insight together.
Conclusion: A More Human View of Beauty
This study reminds us that beauty isn’t just about features—it’s shaped by identity, personality, and place. From confidence and charisma to structure and skin tone, the full picture matters.
By blending data with culture, we can better understand what makes someone stand out—and how to approach beauty in ways that feel real, ethical, and uniquely personal. At HubMedEd, we believe beauty is at its best when it honors both the individual and the world they come from.
How We Measured Beauty: Methodology & Sources
To explore how beauty is perceived across the U.S., we analyzed 10–20 well-known public figures from each state—men and women from entertainment, sports, politics, and culture. Each face was scored in five key areas:
- Facial Harmony – balance and proportion of features
- Skin Quality – tone, clarity, and visible health
- Smile & Expression – warmth, openness, and emotional presence
- Grooming & Style – personal presentation and polish
- Charisma – overall presence, confidence, and that “spark”
Scores were generated using AI-driven image analysis tools:
- Microsoft Azure Computer Vision for facial landmark detection
- Face++ API for structural analysis and expression scoring
- OpenAI GPT-4o for interpreting patterns and drawing insights
Each state’s final score was calculated by averaging male and female results, then combining them into a single composite ranking. Only publicly available images were used—no private or user-submitted content was included.
To add clinical context, all AI-generated scores were reviewed using aesthetic frameworks from:
- The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS)
- The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
By blending data and clinical insight, this project aims to support a more human, inclusive understanding of beauty—rooted in structure, shaped by culture, and guided by ethical care.