The 10 Largest States by Population in the USA

The 10 Largest States by Population in the USA

Every state may be bound by the same constitution but not all states in the US are equal. Each state is different in wildlife, climate, culture, job opportunities, and more. And if you are thinking about population, there are states highly populated as well as sparsely inhabited.  

While considering moving to a new state, the population is also a major factor to consider. If you are curious to know the 10 largest states by population in the US, we have got them.

10 largest states by population in the US 

Rank State Population by 2020 Area Density Capital
1 California 39,538,223 163,696 sq mi 253.6/sq mi  Sacramento
2 Texas 29,145,505 268,596 sq mi 114/sq mi Austin
3 Florida 21,538,187 65,758 sq mi 384.3/sq mi  Tallahassee 
4 New York 20,201,249 54,555 sq mi 416.42/sq mi Albany
5 Pennsylvania  13,002,700 46,055 sq mi 290/sq mi Harrisburg
6 Illinois 12,812,508 57,915 sq mi 232/sq mi  Springfield
7 Ohio 11,799,448 44,825 sq mi 282/sq mi Columbus
8 Georgia 10,711,908 59,425 sq mi 185.2/sq mi  Atlanta
9 North Carolina 10,439,388 53,819 sq mi 214.6/sq mi Raleigh
10 Michigan 10,077,331 96,716 sq mi 174/sq mi  Lansing

California

Nickname: The Golden State

Major cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Ana, and Anaheim

The largest state is also one of the richest with the presence of prosperous cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. Apart from being economically prosperous, the Golden State is also naturally blessed with thousands of miles of shorelines, unlimited forests, and wildlife. California is highly diverse in population and its climate is also the Mediterranean.  

Texas

Nickname: The Lone Star State

Major cities: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, and Corpus Christi

Texas takes pride in both its topography and climate. In addition, the state is also diverse in the economy, with the main focus on oil and natural gas. Had Texas been a country, its GDP would have been greater than Brazil, Canada, Russia, South Korea, and Spain. Despite being rich, the cost of living is affordable and it is easy to own a property in Texas. 

Texas is also culturally rich, with a blend of Southern (Dixie), Western (frontier), and Southwestern (Mexican/Anglo fusion) influences. 

Florida

Nicknames: The Sunshine State, Orange State, the Citrus State, the Flower State

Major cities: Tallahassee, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, and Fort Lauderdale

Florida is known for its long beaches, unrivaled scenic beauty, and hundreds of miles of landscapes. And this makes the Sunshine State highly dependent upon tourism, one of its major economic contributors. With warm winters and long summers, Florida is one of the sunniest states and its weather hovers almost the same all year round. Florida is also one of the popular states to retire in the US.  

New York

Nicknames: The Empire State, the Excelsior State, the Knickerbocker State

Major cities: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany

New York State is mostly known for New York City, the economic capital of the world. But the state is more than that. Its topography and weather are diverse – warm summer and chilly snowy winters. Despite NYC being expensive, the state has an affordable cost of living. New York takes pride in its food scene, culture, and arts and the state also boasts of many world-class educational institutions. 

Pennsylvania

Nicknames: Keystone State, the Quaker State, the Steel State

Major cities: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Lancaster, Bethlehem, Levittown, and Harrisburg

Pennsylvania is famous for its role in American history. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Now, the state is an economic hub with a major focus on banking, agriculture, food processing, and retailing. And about a dozen or more Fortune 500 companies call Pennsylvania their home. 

Illinois

Nickname: The Prairie State

Major cities: Chicago, Springfield, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria

For its traverse grassland and thousands of miles of farmlands, Illinois is called the ‘Prairie Land’. The state is mostly known for Chicago, its marvelous architecture, and its diverse economy. While Chicago is highly industrialized, the rest of Illinois is highly agrarian. Coal, telecommunication, petroleum, and timber are major sources of the economy and the job opportunities are high here. 

Ohio

Nickname: The Buckeye State

Major cities: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Parma, Canton, and Youngstown

The biggest perk of living in Ohio is that there are options to enjoy both urban and rural life. It has pockets of island life, cosmopolitan lifestyle, moderate-size metro areas, rural small-town retreats, the Appalachian mountain range, and countryside with Amish culture. Ohio is ranked as one of the best places to start a family and a business. While being serene with its rural settings, Ohio is also highly industrialized.

Georgia

Nickname: Peach State, Empire State of the South

Major cities: Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, and Athens

Living in Georgia means you are being closer to nature. While being home to historical landmarks, beautiful scenery, and a growing job market, the state also boasts of a warm climate. Atlanta, the capital city is home to Coca-Cola and has unlimited job opportunities. Moreover, the state has an amazing food scene, sports culture, and rich options to savour arts and music.

North Carolina

Nickname: Old North State 

Major cities: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Cary, High Point, and Fayetteville

North Carolina takes pride in its great weather, breathtaking landscapes, and booming job opportunities. The Tar Heel State combines natural beauty with technological innovation and high quality of life. There are hundreds of miles of coastlines and a rich history to be proud of. In addition, North Carolina also has serene and safe neighbourhoods to reside. 

Michigan

Nickname: The Great Lake State, Wolverine State

Major cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor

Michigan is a state made up of two peninsulas – upper and lower and is considered to be one of the most beautiful states in the US. Highly diverse in climate, economy, and population, the Wolverine State is cold in winter and unbearably humid in summer. Known for its miles of sandy beaches, first-rate culinary cuisine, and excellent schools, Michigan is one of the best states to raise a family. 

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