Most Tattoo Loving States: What States Are Looking At Getting Tattoos Most?

Who among us hasn't thought about getting a little ink to remember a loved one, or commemorate a favorite athlete, or just getting a phrase or image that means something significant? BetKentucky typically sticks to all things Kentucky sports betting, but we also like to keep an eye on the calendar for notable holidays and themed-dates.

And in case you were wondering, National Tattoo Day is coming on July 17th.

With that, BetKentucky.com utilized Google Trends to see the search volume in each state for “Tattoo” “Tattoo Shops” “Tattoo Artist” and “Tattoo Ideas” over the last 90 days. Once receiving the results, we averaged out the ranking across the 4 categories to get the Top 10.

It seems that when state residents aren't perusing Kentucky betting apps, they're also showing strong curiosity in getting some ink!

Bet $10 Get $100 In FanCash + Up To $100 Back In FanCash Every Football Gameday

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY. Must sign up by 9/30/25. Apply offer in bet slip; place $1+ American football cash wager w/ odds +300 or longer each Game Day. Wager must settle as loss to qualify for FanCash equal to the amount of losing wager (up to $100 FanCash per Game Day). Rewards expire 10/31/25. Terms, including FanCash terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

States With Most Interest in Tattoos

Rank	State	Interest Level (Compared To Other Topics)
1	West Virginia	100
2	Nevada	92
3	Hawaii	87
4	Kentucky	85
5	New Mexico	84
6	Arkansas	83
7	Alabama	82
T-8	Louisiana	81
T-8	Oklahoma	81
10	Tennessee	80

Kentucky In at No. 4

As it turns out, The Bluegrass State is quite populated with folks considering getting a tattoo, as the state came in at No. 4 in our rankings. Kentucky trailed only West Virginia, Nevada and Hawaii in search interest, and came in ahead of states like New Mexico, Alabama and Arkansas.

Why so much intrigue for ink in Kentucky? Maybe a few Wildcats fans are thinking of getting a tattoo to memorialize the John Calipari era? Or perhaps that's a reach considering how things ended earlier this year.

Sticking with college hoops, new Louisville men's head basketball coach Pat Kelsey talked about the tattoo on his left arm during his opening press conference last month. Maybe Cardinals fans are getting ready to follow suit?

Or maybe state residents' intrigue with tattoos has little to nothing to do with what happens on the basketball court. Tattoos are a modern way to express yourself, and those in The Bluegrass State are more than comfortable with leaning into the practice.

If you enjoyed this lifestyle piece, keep an eye out for others from BetKentucky, such as: America’s Top 5 Bourbon Drinks.

USA Today photo by Matt Stone.

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Author

Thomas Leary

News editor

Thomas Leary is a news editor and writer for BetKentucky.com. He previously worked at Sports Business Journal for over 6 years, where he helped identify emerging sectors across sports business, such as legalized gambling, and helped launch the publication’s digital newsletter division.