US States List ~ Ranked by Area Size ~~
The United States is a vast country, comprising 50 states that vary greatly in size, from the expansive wilderness of Alaska to the compact cities of Rhode Island. Understanding the size of each state provides insight into the diverse geography and regional characteristics that define the nation. Below is a list of U.S. states ranked by area size, from the largest to the smallest.
1. Alaska
– Area: 663,267 square miles
– Overview: Alaska is by far the largest state in the U.S., covering more than twice the area of Texas. Known for its vast wilderness, glaciers, and mountain ranges, Alaska’s size accounts for about 17% of the total land area of the United States.
2. Texas
– Area: 268,596 square miles
– Overview: Texas is the largest state in the contiguous United States and is known for its diverse landscapes, including deserts, forests, and coastlines. Its size has contributed to its distinct cultural identity and economic influence.
US States List ~ Ranked by Area Size
3. California
– Area: 163,696 square miles
– Overview: California, the third-largest state, is famous for its varied geography, from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley and Pacific coastline. It’s also the most populous state, with major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
4. Montana
– Area: 147,040 square miles
– Overview: Montana, often called “Big Sky Country,” is known for its expansive plains, mountain ranges, and national parks, including Glacier National Park. Its vast open spaces define its rugged character.
5. New Mexico
– Area: 121,590 square miles
– Overview: New Mexico is characterized by its high desert landscape, with significant Native American and Hispanic cultural influences. It’s known for its unique topography, including mesas and the Rio Grande River.
6. Arizona
– Area: 113,990 square miles
– Overview: Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon and vast desert regions. Its size includes diverse environments, from arid deserts to lush pine forests in the northern part of the state.
7. Nevada
– Area: 110,572 square miles
– Overview: Nevada is largely desert and semi-arid, known for its entertainment hub, Las Vegas, and vast, empty landscapes, including the Great Basin.
8. Colorado
– Area: 104,094 square miles
– Overview: Colorado is known for the Rocky Mountains and is a major destination for outdoor recreation. Its diverse geography includes mountains, forests, and high plains.
9. Oregon
– Area: 98,379 square miles
– Overview: Oregon’s landscape is incredibly varied, from the Pacific coastline to forests, mountains, and high desert regions in the eastern part of the state.
10. Wyoming
– Area: 97,813 square miles
– Overview: Wyoming, the least populous state, is known for its wide-open spaces and natural beauty, including Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.
11. Michigan
– Area: 96,714 square miles
– Overview: Michigan is unique in that it consists of two peninsulas, surrounded by the Great Lakes. The state is known for its freshwater coastline and automotive history.
US States List ~ Ranked by Area Size
12. Minnesota
– Area: 86,936 square miles
– Overview: Minnesota, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is rich in water resources and offers a blend of forests, prairies, and urban areas.
13. Utah
– Area: 84,899 square miles
– Overview: Utah is famous for its stunning red rock formations, national parks like Zion and Arches, and the Great Salt Lake.
14. Idaho
– Area: 83,570 square miles
– Overview: Idaho is known for its mountainous landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, vast wilderness areas, and its significant agricultural production.
15. Kansas
– Area: 82,278 square miles
– Overview: Kansas is characterized by its flat, expansive plains, making it a major agricultural state, particularly known for wheat production.
16. Nebraska
– Area: 77,348 square miles
– Overview: Nebraska is largely rural with rolling plains and is a significant center for agriculture, especially corn and cattle.
17. South Dakota
– Area: 77,116 square miles
– Overview: South Dakota features the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and vast prairies, combining natural beauty with cultural landmarks.
18. Washington
– Area: 71,298 square miles
– Overview: Washington state is known for its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and coastal regions. It’s also home to Seattle, a major cultural and economic hub.
19. North Dakota
– Area: 70,698 square miles
– Overview: North Dakota’s landscape is dominated by the Great Plains, with significant energy production from oil and natural gas.
20. Oklahoma
– Area: 69,899 square miles
– Overview: Oklahoma has a varied landscape that includes plains, forests, and mountains. The state has a rich Native American history and significant energy resources.
21. Missouri
– Area: 69,707 square miles
– Overview: Missouri’s diverse geography includes the Ozark Mountains, rivers, and plains. It’s known for its cultural landmarks in St. Louis and Kansas City.
22. Florida
– Area: 65,758 square miles
– Overview: Florida, a major tourist destination, is known for its long coastline, beaches, and theme parks like Walt Disney World.
23. Wisconsin
– Area: 65,496 square miles
– Overview: Wisconsin is known for its dairy production, rolling hills, and extensive lakes and forests.
24. Georgia
– Area: 59,425 square miles
– Overview: Georgia has a diverse geography that includes mountains, coastal regions, and urban centers like Atlanta.
25. Illinois
– Area: 57,914 square miles
– Overview: Illinois is home to Chicago, a major urban center, as well as rich agricultural areas in the central and southern parts of the state.
26. Iowa
– Area: 56,272 square miles
– Overview: Iowa is primarily agricultural, with vast cornfields and a strong farming community.
27. New York
– Area: 54,555 square miles
– Overview: New York state features both the bustling metropolis of New York City and vast rural areas in the Adirondacks and upstate regions.
28. North Carolina
– Area: 53,819 square miles
– Overview: North Carolina’s landscape ranges from Atlantic beaches to the Appalachian Mountains, offering diverse environments.
29. Arkansas
– Area: 53,179 square miles
– Overview: Arkansas is known for its mountainous regions, including the Ozarks, and its rich natural resources.
30. Alabama
– Area: 52,420 square miles
– Overview: Alabama features a mix of urban and rural areas, with significant historical landmarks from the civil rights movement.
31. Louisiana
– Area: 52,378 square miles
– Overview: Louisiana is famous for its vibrant culture in New Orleans, extensive wetlands, and the Mississippi River Delta.
32. Mississippi
– Area: 48,432 square miles
– Overview: Mississippi is known for its agricultural output, particularly cotton, and its rich cultural heritage, including blues music.
33. Pennsylvania
– Area: 46,054 square miles
– Overview: Pennsylvania is rich in history, with major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and diverse landscapes from mountains to farmland.
34. Ohio
– Area: 44,825 square miles
– Overview: Ohio is a key industrial state with a mix of urban centers, agricultural regions, and historical sites.
35. Virginia
– Area: 42,774 square miles
– Overview: Virginia’s varied geography includes the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, and historical sites central to American history.
36. Tennessee
– Area: 42,144 square miles
– Overview: Tennessee is known for its vibrant music scenes in Nashville and Memphis, as well as its Appalachian mountain ranges.
37. Kentucky
– Area: 40,409 square miles
– Overview: Kentucky is famous for horse racing, bourbon distilleries, and the Appalachian Mountains.
38. Indiana
– Area: 36,420 square miles
– Overview: Indiana is known for its agricultural productivity and the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in the world.
39. Maine
– Area: 35,380 square miles
– Overview: Maine is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history, and vast forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
40. South Carolina
– Area: 32,020 square miles
– Overview: South Carolina features coastal cities, historic sites, and the Appalachian Mountains.
41. West Virginia
– Area: 24,230 square miles
– Overview: West Virginia is characterized by its rugged mountains and coal mining history, offering stunning natural beauty.
42. Maryland
– Area: 12,407 square miles
– Overview: Maryland is a small but diverse state with a mix of urban areas, coastal regions, and
mountains.
43. Hawaii
– Area: 10,931 square miles
– Overview: Hawaii is a tropical paradise with unique volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
44. Massachusetts
– Area: 10,554 square miles
– Overview: Massachusetts is known for its colonial history, leading educational institutions, and scenic New England landscapes.
US States List ~ Ranked by Area Size
45. Vermont
– Area: 9,616 square miles
– Overview: Vermont is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including mountains, forests, and charming small towns.
46. New Hampshire
– Area: 9,349 square miles
– Overview: New Hampshire offers a blend of coastal towns, mountain ranges, and a small but active political scene as the first primary state.
47. New Jersey
– Area: 8,723 square miles
– Overview: New Jersey, despite its small size, is densely populated with a mix of urban areas, suburban neighborhoods, and a rich cultural history.
48. Connecticut
– Area: 5,543 square miles
– Overview: Connecticut is known for its coastal cities, rural areas, and historical significance as one of the original 13 colonies.
49. Delaware
– Area: 2,489 square miles
– Overview: Delaware is the second smallest state, known for its beaches, tax-free shopping, and rich history as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
50. Rhode Island
– Area: 1,545 square miles
– Overview: Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., is known for its coastal towns, maritime heritage, and Gilded Age mansions.
Conclusion
The U.S. states vary tremendously in size, reflecting the diversity of the country’s geography and the unique characteristics of each region. From Alaska’s vast wilderness to the compact charm of Rhode Island, the United States offers a wide array of environments, each contributing to the rich tapestry that makes up the nation.
US States List ~ Ranked by Area Size