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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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