The Heartland tips better than most of the country
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Data: Toast; Map: Sami Sparber/Axios
Kansas and Missouri diners tip almost 20% on average, which is better than most of the country, according to new Toast data.
Why it matters: Tipping is under the microscope nationally, with diners saying they're sick of being asked and some restaurants dropping it entirely.
Zoom in: A server is guaranteed at least $15 an hour with tips in Missouri, but in Kansas the floor is $7.25.
By the numbers: Kansas diners leave 19.6% on average and Missourians 19.5%. The national average is 18.7%.
- At sit-down restaurants, Kansans tip 20.2% and Missourians 19.8%.
Yes, but: Kansas ranks in the bottom five states for tipping at fast food and quick-service spots, with an average of 15.6%.
- Of the 37 states above the national average overall, only five tip less than Kansas at the counter.
Flashback: Both states tipped better three years ago. Missouri averaged 20.1% in late 2022 and Kansas 19.9%, per Toast data at the time.
- Both have slipped about half a point since, about the same as the country as a whole.
Between the lines: A survey this spring found 35% of Americans have cut back on restaurant tipping, blaming tip prompts showing up everywhere and having less money after inflation.
The fine print: The data comes from restaurants that use Toast's payment system, about 180,000 locations nationwide, and only counts card and digital tips.
- Cash isn't included, and the second quarter ended June 30, two weeks into the World Cup.
💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I tip 20% every time, more if the service was great. It's a mix of principle and reflex at this point.
What's the right amount to tip? Hit reply and tell us where you land.