Ranking The Largest States By Population

Ready for a fun little geography lesson?

The United States is a crazy quilt of diverse people, unique landscapes and deeply-ingrained traditions. Each one is subject to large socio-economic forces that affect population density, growth rates and wealth.

Ever wonder how the states stack up against each other according to these important criteria? Let’s take a statistical tour of our country and find you some answers.

Table of Contents:

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Illinois
• Ohio
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Michigan
• Analyzing population trends
• States with the highest growth rates
• How we chose the largest states by population
• Summary of our Guide to The Largest States By Population

#1: California

California is known as the Golden State — a reference to the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, which sent hundreds of thousands of hopeful miners to California. It’s the largest of the US states as measured by total population. The state is bordered by Oregon to the north, Arizona to the southeast, and Nevada to the northeast and east. These days, it’s perhaps most famous for the outsize role it has played in the film and entertainment industry. But it’s not just a place for stars to hobnob.

California is home to Silicon Valley, the global hub for technology innovation, including companies like Apple, Google, Facebook and many others. It’s also a leader in the aerospace industry: companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin are headquartered there.

California is one of the most frequently visited states and home to the original Disney theme park, Disneyland, which attracts 118 million people annually. Tourism contributes mightily to California’s economy. In 2022, the industry accounted for $135 billion dollars in spending. California is known for its progressive politics and cultural diversity, with a large population of immigrants from around the world.

Population	39 million
Capital	Sacramento
Major cities	Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno
Income per capita	$41,276

#2: Texas

Texas is known as the Lone Star State, a tribute to the Lone Star flag which waved over Texas when it became independent from Mexico in 1836. Texas shares its border with four US states:  Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas and New Mexico to the northeast, and Louisiana to the east.

Texas is the leading producer of oil and natural gas in the US, and is home to several leading energy companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron. The state also has a growing technology industry. Dell, IBM and Texas Instruments are some of the top employers in Texas. The state is also home to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a government agency that oversees space exploration and aeronautics research.

Texas is a major producer of cattle and cotton, and also produces a wide variety of other crops, including wheat, corn and sorghum.

Cowboy culture is alive and well within the total population of Texas. More than 76,000 people in Texas own horses — more than any other state in the US. The horse breeding industry contributes over $5 billion to the state’s economy.

Population	30 million
Capital	Austin
Major cities	Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth
Income per capita	59,865

#3: Florida

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is a major producer of citrus fruits, with oranges being the state’s most famous agricultural product. Other notable crops include tomatoes, strawberries and sugarcane. Agriculture contributes about $6 billion to the state’s economy.

Florida shares a land border with two other states, both along its northern boundary: Georgia (east) and Alabama (west). Much of the state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches are legendary.

Florida is one of the most visited states in the US, with attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and South Beach drawing millions of tourists every year. About forty million people visit the state each year; visitors spend about $40 billion in Florida annually. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the state. In terms of revenue, Publix Supermarkets is the largest company in Florida, with sales of over $45 million.

Florida is one of the most culturally diverse states in the US. About 27% of Florida residents are Hispanic, while 16% of the population is African American.

Population	22 million
Capital	Tallahassee
Major cities	Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando St. Petersburg
Income per capita	$62, 270

#4: New York

Known as the Empire State, it earned its nickname when George Washington dubbed the state “the seat of the empire.” Today the state’s nickname has another association: New York is home to the Empire State Building, which stood as the tallest building when it was constructed in 1931 and held that title until the World Trade Center was completed in 1972.

New York City, the state’s most populous city, is generally considered the financial capital of the world. Wall Street is responsible for a significant portion of the state’s economy; it generates about 30 percent of workers’ earnings.

But New York has something for everyone. It’s a center for technology companies, especially in the areas of software development, digital media and e-commerce. The state hosts more than 200 colleges and universities, including more than 60 state-run college locations. From the Juilliard School of Music to the Rochester Institute of Technology, students of every discipline flock to the state for a great education.

New York is also known for its diversity. According to the World Population Review, the state ranks fifth in the US for ethnic diversity. About 29% of its population is Hispanic, about 23% is Black, and about 10% are of Asian Pacific heritage.

New York is bordered by Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Canada and Lake Ontario to the north, Lake Erie to the west, and Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east.

Population	19.6 million
Capital	Albany
Major cities	New York City, Buffalo, Yonkers, Rochester, Syracuse
Income per capita	$43,208

#5: Pennsylvania

They say that Pennsylvania earned its nickname — the Keystone State — when, in 1802,  Thomas Jefferson dubbed the state “the keystone of the federal union.” In architectural terms, a keystone is the wedge-shaped stone in an arch that keeps the rest of its stones in place. Pennsylvania was one of the thirteen original colonies and many key events leading to the colonies’ independence took place in the state, including several famous battles. After several revisions and much debate, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

Pennsylvania shares its border with quite a few states and waterways. It’s adjacent to New York and Lake Erie to the north, New York and New Jersey to the east, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia to the south, and West Virginia and Ohio to the west.

Manufacturing is a mainstay of Pennsylvania’s economy, with products ranging from steel and industrial machinery to food and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the state is a major producer of natural gas, coal and timber, making it an important player in the energy and forestry industries.

Pennsylvania’s population is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures represented. Approximately 12% of the population is African American, 7% is Hispanic and 4% is Asian. The state also has a large Amish population, particularly in Lancaster County, known for its traditional lifestyle and unique cultural practices.

Pennsylvania has made significant contributions to the arts, literature and music. The state is home to several major museums and galleries, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. The state also has a strong sports culture, with several professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia 76ers.

Population	12.97 million
Capital	Harrisburg
Major cities	Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading
Income per capita	$37,725

#6: Illinois

Illinois earned its nickname, the Prairie State, when early settlers arrived and looked out at its broad expanse of flat, fertile land. Once upon a time, the state was 60% prairie. Now, prairie makes up less than 1% of the state’s geography. Later, Illinois became known as the Land of Lincoln, a tribute to the 16th President of the United States.

Illinois shares its border with Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky to the east, Kentucky and Missouri in the south, and Missouri and Iowa to the west.

About 75% of Illinois’ land has been given over to agriculture. The state is particularly well-known for its production of corn and soybeans and is a leading exporter of these crops. But it’s also home to other major industries. About 22% of the state’s GDP derives from financial services, including insurance and real estate, followed by professional services and manufacturing.

Illinois is also known for its cultural amenities, particularly in the arts and entertainment industries. Chicago is home to several world-renowned museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, which attract visitors from all over the world. The city is also known for its architecture, with iconic buildings such as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center. Additionally, Illinois has a rich musical history, with famous musicians such as Muddy Waters and Kanye West hailing from the state. Overall, Illinois is a state with a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its diverse arts and entertainment offerings.

Population	12.58 million
Capital	Springfield
Major cities	Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford
Income per capita	$67,244

#7: Ohio

Ohio, the Buckeye State, earned its nickname, in part, due to the many buckeye trees that graced its landscape back in the day. The name also dates back to the political campaign of one William Henry Harrison, when he went on to win the Presidency while employing the buckeye tree as a symbol in his marketing tactics. Today, Ohio State University’s highly competitive football team bears the name Buckeyes, as well.

About 75 years later, Ohio claimed a spot in history that gave rise to the state’s unofficial nickname. As proudly proclaimed on its state license plate, Ohio is the birthplace of aviation. Wilbur and Orville Wright mounted the very first airplane flight in history out of Kitty Hawk, South Carolina, but the brothers hailed from Dayton, Ohio and that’s where they designed and built their plane.

Aviation still plays a significant role in Ohio’s economy. The state produces more component parts for Boeing and Airbus than any other. Government, corporate and military investment have solidified Ohio as a very hospitable place for the aeronautics business.

Ohio is home to about 25 Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Marathon Petroleum and Big Lots. The state also has a significant automotive industry, with several major car manufacturers having operations in Ohio. The production of steel and other metals is another important contributor to the state’s economy.

But even as manufacturing has grown to be a significant force in Ohio, the dominant industry in the state is still agriculture. About 44% of Ohio’s area is prime farmland. There are some 80,000 farms in Ohio totaling 14,900,000 acres.

Ohio is bordered by Michigan and Lake Erie to the north, Kentucky and West Virginia to the south, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to the east, and Indiana to the west.

Population	11.76 million
Capital	Columbus
Major cities	Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron
Income per capita	$56,879

#8: Georgia

Known as the Peach State, in tribute to the premium-tasting fruit grown by farmers in the state, Georgia is also the number one state in the US for peanut production. The state’s climate is ideal for growing pretty much any food or animal product you can name. One in seven Georgians is engaged in some form of farming, forestry or related business. The state produces poultry, hogs, cattle, horses, goats, sheep and even alligators. It’s also a leading producer of cotton. Agriculture contributes nearly $70 billion to Georgia’s economy.

The state’s capital, Atlanta, is a major hub for business and culture, attracting people from all over the world. By some accounts, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ranks number one among the busiest airports in the US.

Only one out of ten Atlanta-area residents live in the central city. The outlying neighborhoods of Atlanta experienced an eye-popping population 44% growth rate in the 1990s, while Atlanta proper only grew by 22%. Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, and Peachtree City are among the most popular suburbs in Atlanta.

Georgia was one of the original 13 states. The state seceded from the Union prior to and played a significant part in the US Civil War. In the 1960s, Georgia was a key battleground in the fight for civil rights. Georgia’s rich history is witnessed by the state’s museums and its wide range of preservation activities.

Georgia is also well-known for its music scene, representing a variety of music. Country music, the blues and hip hop are thriving in the state. Georgia is considered a prime example of that famous southern hospitality, which is reflected in its cuisine, arts and traditions.

Georgia is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Florida to the south, South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Alabama to the west. The northwest corner of the state is adjacent to the Appalachian Plateau.

Population	10.9 million
Capital	Atlanta
Major cities	Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah
Income per capita	$55,786

#9: North Carolina

Georgia is nicknamed the Tar Heel State. Before the Civil War, to call someone a “tar heel” suggested that he/she/they worked in a non-prestigious trade. But during the Civil War, North Carolina soldiers adopted the epithet and turned it into a name worn with pride.

North Carolina borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, and Georgia and South Carolina to the south.

North Carolina was also one of the 13 British colonies. It earned the distinction of being the first state to instruct its delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence and cast off the British crown.

In the late 19th century, North Carolina — and particularly the city of High Point — was considered the furniture capital of the world. The growth of the furniture industry was supported by an abundance of lumber and a robust transportation infrastructure. Today, Georgia is still known for hosting one of the largest furniture expos in the world, High Point Market.

North Carolina is a hub for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The state includes over 800 life sciences companies that employ some 75,000 workers. The state also features several top-ranked medical schools, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

North Carolina is becoming more diverse. About 22% of the population is African American. The state is increasingly home to Hispanic and Asia Pacific residents, which make up 10% and 3% of its population respectively. The Asia Pacific demographic grew by 64% between 2010 and 2020.

Population	10.7 million
Capital	Raleigh
Major cities	Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham
Income per capita	$56,173

#10: Michigan

Michigan is a state located in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Not surprisingly, its official nickname is the Great Lakes State. Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, which make up about one-fifth of the world’s freshwater supply.

Michigan’s largest industries include manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector, as well as agriculture and tourism. In recent years, such sectors as finance and insurance, professional services, education, healthcare and other social services have flourished in the state. The state’s economy has also diversified with growth in the technology and renewable energy industries.

Michigan’s vast lakefront borders make the state a haven for fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Upper Peninsula is a popular vacation destination: Mackinac Island draws over a million people each year.

Michigan’s largest city, Detroit, is known as the birthplace of the American automotive industry, as well as for its contributions to music, art and culture. One of the most famous cultural contributions of Michigan is the Motown music scene. Motown was a record label founded in Detroit in 1959 by Berry Gordy, Jr. that became famous for its soulful, upbeat music and artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. The Motown sound was characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms and a distinctive blend of pop, R&B and gospel music. The Motown label helped break down racial barriers in the music industry and introduced the world to some of the greatest talents of the 20th century.

Population	10.03 million
Capital	Lansing
Major cities	Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor
Income per capita	$56.594

Analyzing population trends

In the United States and Puerto Rico, the Census Bureau is responsible for tracking the nation’s population and analyzing demographic data by a wide range of criteria. These include sex, age, race, housing and more. Individual states track their own population trends, which may include income, population growth and workforce details.

Many private and public special interest groups track population data, as well. Some of the most respected include the Center for Disease Control, the Pew Research Group, Morning Consult and Statista. The United Nations and the World Health Organization are also responsible for collecting and analyzing data on population growth, migration patterns and health trends.

States with the highest growth rates

According to the World Population Review, the following states are the fastest growing in the US:

• Utah: 1.5%
• Idaho: 1.43%
• Texas: 1.34%
• North Dakota: 1.33%
• Nevada: 1.27%
• Colorado: 1.26%
• Washington, DC: 1.24%
• Washington state: 1.24%
• Florida: 1.24%

Least Populous States

Now that we’ve had a look at the ten most populous states in the US, let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum. Here are the ten least populous states in the nation:

• Wyoming 576,851
• Vermont 643,077
• Alaska 733,391
• North Dakota 779,094
• South Dakota 886,667
• Delaware 989,948
• Montana 1,084,225
• Rhode Island 1,097,379
• Maine 1,362,359
• New Hampshire 1,377,529

How we chose the largest states by population

We consulted a wide range of public and private sources that track the total US population, state economies, and historic data to provide demographic information and offer a profile of each of the top 10 most populous states. Sources included the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the World Population Review, state chambers of commerce and more.

We also consulted a wide range of popular media when analyzing population trends. National Geographic was one of our primary sources for regional maps and other geographic information.

Summary of our Guide to The Largest States By Population

Here are some key takeaways from our review of the most populated states in the US:

• The majority of the most populated states are concentrated on the east coast, in the southeast region of the US and in the midwest. But California tops the list of top states by population.
• The largest states in the US are characterized by diverse economies. Farming is also a powerful economic force across the country.
• The largest states in the US are not necessarily the richest states in terms of median or per capita income.
• Each state on our list has its own rich history and cultural highlights. You wouldn’t be bored living in any of them.
• Each state’s official nickname gives important clues about the state’s history, economics, and culture.