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Key Takeaways:
- Vermont businesses use AI the most nationwide, growing by 8.3%, nearly three times the national average.
- Delaware and Washington are also gaining fast, with growth rates of 4.3% and 4.1%.
- Arizona has the highest demand for tech jobs, with 7.3% of all job listings now digital.
In early 2025, about 5.3% of businesses said they used AI tools in the past two weeks.
That may sound small, but it's a big jump from just two years ago, and in some states, the growth is happening even faster.
To find out where AI is taking off the most, we looked at three key things:
- How many businesses are using AI right now
- How fast AI use has grown since 2023
- Which states have the highest demand for AI jobs
Top 3 States Where Business AI Use Is Growing Fastest
1. Vermont
- AI Growth Since 2023: +8.3%
- Businesses Using AI (Q1 2025): 8.3%
- Digital Job Listings: 7.0%
- AI Readiness Rank: #4
Vermont has seen the biggest jump in AI use among businesses from nearly zero in 2023 to 8.3% in 2025.
This is more than double the national average. It also leads the country in AI-related job openings.
While Vermont’s AI laws are still developing, the state is already working on important rules, including those that address deepfakes.
2. Delaware
- AI Growth Since 2023: +4.3%
- Businesses Using AI: 11% (the highest in the U.S.)
- Digital Job Listings: 3.9%
- AI Readiness Rank: #2
Delaware has the highest rate of AI use by businesses in the country.
Its steady growth, combined with strong laws supporting AI (a perfect 4/4 score), makes it a leader in this space.
It’s also becoming a small but powerful hub for AI. Many AI companies in Delaware are now offering services in automation, development, and machine learning.
3. Washington
- AI Growth Since 2023: +4.1%
- Businesses Using AI: 9.0%
- Digital Job Listings: 3.9%
- AI Readiness Rank: #18
Washington is moving up quickly due to its large number of AI startups, more than 480.
According to the WTIA Washington AI Landscape Report, companies in the state raised over $4.5 billion for AI projects.
Its lower policy score (2 out of 4) is one of the only things holding it back in the rankings.
-(1)-content.jpg "5 Most AI-Ready States in 2025")
States With the Most AI Job Demand in 2025
1. Arizona
- Digital Job Listings: 7.3%
- Businesses Using AI: 7.5%
- AI Readiness Rank: #16
Arizona has the highest share of tech-focused job listings in the U.S.
This means that out of every 100 job ads in the state, about 7 are for digital roles, which is the highest rate in the country.
It also ranks high in the number of companies using AI tools (7.5%), showing that local businesses are hiring and scaling fast, even though the state is still catching up on tech policies.
2. Vermont
- Digital Job Listings: 7.0%
- Businesses Using AI: 8.3%
- AI Readiness Rank: #4
Vermont appears again, this time for workforce demand. A major boost comes from the Vermont Employment Pathfinder.
It uses AI to match workers with jobs and training opportunities.
The state's tech job market is also booming, making it a top state for both businesses and job seekers in AI.
3. Minnesota
- Digital Job Listings: 5.8%
- AI Growth Since 2023: +3.7%
- AI Readiness Rank: #12
Minnesota’s tech job share is smaller but still strong. Nearly 6 out of every 100 job postings now focus on digital skills.
The state also saw steady growth in business adoption since 2023 and has a solid readiness rank.
While it was previously ranked low for digital business growth, hiring trends suggest things may be improving.
Why These Trends Matter
This data shows where business and workforce change is already happening.
Companies in states like Vermont, Delaware, Arizona, and Utah are not waiting.
They are hiring, training, and using new tools to stay ahead.
What businesses should do:
- Hiring: In states like Arizona and Vermont, digital skills are in high demand. If you're hiring there, expect competition. If you're not based there, consider remote hiring from these states.
- Catch up: If your business is in a state with low growth (like South Dakota or West Virginia), use this time to train your team or adopt better tools.
- Expand smart: States with high scores, like Vermont, Delaware, and Washington, have strong systems in place. These are good places to grow or invest your business.
- Plan for talent: Minnesota, Maine, and Montana show solid job demand and growth. These are rising markets with a growing pool of skilled workers.
What You Can Do:
- Look at how your state ranks.
- Focus on hiring in high-growth areas.
- Invest in training your team on AI tools.
- Choose partners in future-ready states.
The full methodology and data can be accessed at DesignRush’s 2025 AI Readiness Index.
Looking to integrate AI into your business strategy? Explore top AI companies from our directory here:
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