Top 10 Most Populated States in the U.S 2023
♦ Top 10 Largest Tribal Groups In The US By Population
♦ Top 10 Biggest States In The United States - By Population
 |
| Top 10 US States with the Largest Populations in 2023 |
| Contents |
As of 2023, the total population of the United States is projected to be 339,172,809, making it the world's third most populous nation.
Some of the most populous American cities have more people than some countries, while some of the least populous states have fewer people than a major city. Although the population of the country as a whole is increasing, this growth is not evenly distributed across the country. Thirdly, there's the issue of people squeezing into a given space. But even within that aggregate, there exists a striking diversity in population size, from California's nearly 40 million to Wyoming's fewer than a million.
Q&A About U.S Population
Which State Has the Highest Population?
With a total population of more than 40 million, California is the most populous U.S. State.
Which State Has the Least Population?
With a resident population of just over half a million — that’s about one-eighth the size of the population of Los Angeles — Wyoming is the least populous state in the United States.
The smallest state by population is Wyoming, with fewer than 600,000 residents and an annual growth rate that has trended negative at times in the past.
Which State Has the negative growth rates?
The only states with negative growth rates were West Virginia (-0.33%), Mississippi (-0.02%), and Illinois (-0.01%).
What's so Special about the Population Distribution in the U.S?
The 50 states, Washington, D.C., and territories like Puerto Rico all have unequal population distributions within the United States. Whether they are on the West Coast (California), the East Coast (New York, Florida, perhaps Pennsylvania), or the southern border, states that are close to the country's borders typically have the highest populations (Texas, Florida again). On the other hand, interior states like those in the Midwest and Great Plains typically have lower populations.
The majority of US states are now seeing population growth. Utah had the highest growth rate in the beginning of 2023 (1.50%), followed by Idaho (1.43%), and Texas (1.34%). In contrast, West Virginia experienced the lowest rate of population growth at the beginning of 2023, with a 0.33% decline in its population.
Top 10 US States with the Largest Populations in 2023
Knowinsiders.com ranked the largest U.S states and full list of U.S states by population as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau:
1.California — 40,223,504
California has more than 40 million people living in it, or about 12% of the entire population of the United States.
California would rank higher in population than countries like Canada, Australia, Peru, and Greece if it were a country, and it would have the fourth or fifth largest economy in the world.
Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco are the state's four most populous cities, with a combined total of 3,898,747 residents (population 815,201). There is a higher population density in San Francisco than anywhere else in the entire country.
It's mostly rural and sparsely inhabited outside of major urban hubs.
Population concentration has always been a feature of the region. The Native American population in California was the highest and most culturally and linguistically diversified of any place north of Mexico prior to European exploration.
 Top 10 Tallest Buildings In California Right Now |
2.Texas — 30,345,487
 |
| Top 10 US States with the Largest Populations in 2023 |
In Texas, both the population and the total area are enormous compared to those in other states. Texas is only second in size to Alaska.
In 2023, more than 30 million people called Texas home, making up nearly 10% of the total US population. In addition, the annual growth rate in Texas is 1.34%, while in California it is only 0.57%.
The long-term effects of these drastically different growth rates are plain to see: Texas's population has grown by over 20% since 2010, while California's has grown by only 12%.
Houston has 2,304,580 people living in it, making it the most populous city in Texas. The city ranks number four in terms of population in the entire country. San Antonio, with 1,434,625 residents, ranks second. Dallas is third with 1,304,379 residents, but the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has an incredible 7,637,387 in its metropolitan statistical area, making it one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
In terms of Gross State Product, Texas ranks second only to California. It has the largest economy of any subnational entity in the world, surpassing even Brazil, which has the world's ninth-largest economy.
Whoever you are, whether you're a cowboy or an aerospace engineer, Texas is a great state to live in. The Lone Star State is home to a diverse population, a thriving economy, authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, a major space center, presidential libraries, and numerous exciting metropolitan areas.
 Facts About Texas - The Second Biggest State In America |
 |
| U.S Population 2023 |
3.Florida — 22,359,251
Even though it's a popular tourist destination, Florida isn't as large as Texas and comes in at number 22 on the list of the 50 states in terms of total land area. However, the population is large and growing rapidly. The country's nearly 22.4 million people are increasing by 3.30 percent annually.
The peninsula is the most southeastern state in the United States and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico on three sides.
Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa Bay, and Orlando are the state's five most populous areas. St. Augustine, Florida, has been continuously inhabited since it was founded as a Spanish colony in 1565.
Beaches abound on the Florida peninsula, but the region is prone to hurricanes due to its proximity to three oceans (the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida).
A chain of coral and limestone reefs and islands off the coast of Florida, the Keys are home to a diverse ecosystem and a popular tourist destination.
More than a million people from around the world flock to the Florida Everglades every year to experience the largest tropical wilderness east of the Mississippi River.
 10 Longest and Most Beautiful Rivers in Florida |
4.New York — 20,448,194
New York City, the nation's most populous city, can be found in the state of New York. New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany are just a few of the well-known towns in the region.
The world's financial, commercial, and cultural centers are all located in this famous city. The state of New York is home to more than just a bustling metropolis; it also features notable mountains, lakes, and rivers.
New York City, home to 8,804,190 people, is both the most populous city in the United States and the city with the most urban sprawl. The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are home to one-fourth of New York City's population.
Buffalo, Yonkers, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany (the state capital) are some of the other major cities in New York.
But New York is more than just a metropolis. Throughout the state's history, New Yorkers have found excitement and relaxation in the state's many mountain ranges, including the Adirondacks in the north, the Catskills in the center, and the Appalachians in the south. The Great Lakes region, of which Western New York is a part, is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Even though there are many people living in New York, the state's population keeps falling. New York lost 76,790 residents between 2018 and 2019, placing it in the top 10 states with population declines (or -.4 percent).
 Top 10 Richest People Living In New York |
 Top 10 Best Hospitals in New York 2023 by Healthgrades & US News |
5.Pennsylvania — 13,092,796
Pennsylvania is well-known for playing a significant part in American history. Philadelphia served as the location for the creation of both the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Multiple Fortune 500 corporations now call Pennsylvania home, making it a key financial industry leader today.
With little over 13 million people, historic Pennsylvania is the fifth-most populated state in the US. It ranks ninth in terms of population density and is the 33rd-largest state in terms of land area. It is not, however, expanding as swiftly as some of the other states, with a growth rate of 0.23 percent.
Nearly two thirds of Pennsylvania's territory is covered in forests, making it a highly green state. The Allegheny and Pocono mountains are located in the northeast of the state, and the Appalachian Mountains cut across the state's middle. Pennsylvania contains Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, and has more navigable rivers than any other state in the US.
One of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania was established in 1681 by William Penn. It was renowned for its amiable interactions with neighborhood Native American tribes and its accepting religious environment.
Over 10,000 years have passed since people first settled in Pennsylvania; some researchers think it may be as long as 16,000 years. Some people think that Pennsylvania's first inhabitants may have even existed before the Clovis culture of the paleo-Indians.
Philadelphia, where the Founders gathered, served as the American Revolution's birthplace. The first two Continental Congresses met there as well, the second of which resulted in the Declaration of Independence.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Lancaster, Bethlehem, Levittown, and Harrisburg are some of the major cities in Pennsylvania.
 Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, a large and diverse state in the United States, you’ll find outstanding visiting destinations including big cities, rolling agricultural land, traditional Amish settlements ... |
6.Illinois — 12,807,072
This unusual Midwestern state has one of the country's most varied economies and geographic landscapes, from fertile farmland to the towering skyscrapers of Chicago. Coal, petroleum, and timber are just some of the natural resources found there. The state of Illinois, also known as the "Land of Lincoln," will soon be home to both the Barack Obama Presidential Center and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The gist of it is as follows:
Illinois has the 12th highest population density in the United States, at 228.24 people per square mile, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Greater Chicago is home to more than 2 million people, making up a significant portion of Illinois' total population.
According to Population Data, "the largest raw decline of any state was in Illinois, where the population fell by 168,700 between 2010 and 2019." According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois lost 51,250 residents between 2018 and 2019.
This state's capital is located in Springfield.
Chicago, Springfield, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria are some of Illinois' major urban centers.
An interesting fact is that Illinois is known as "The Prairie State."
 Who is JB Pritzker - the Governor of Illinois: Biography, Time Life, Career, Family and Profile |
7.Ohio — 11,878,330
Ohio, sometimes known as "The Buckeye State" because to its abundance of buckeye trees, is home to both wide rural areas and a number of sizable cities (i.e. Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati). It is also known as "the mother of presidents" due to the fact that eight of the presidents of the United States of America originated from Ohio. The following is a brief summary:
Ohio has a population density of 286.07 persons per square mile, according to data provided by the United States Census Bureau. This places Ohio as the tenth most densely populated state in the US. The website Cleveland.com reports that when it comes to population density, the City of Cleveland ranks top in the state, followed by Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
According to WOSU Public Media's reporting, Ohio's general population growth is showing signs of slacking off. However, in contrast to the rest of the state, the population of the City of Columbus has been significantly growing during the past few years. The city of Columbus experienced "one of the highest quantitative boosts to its population of any city in the country," according to WOSU Public Media.
State capital: Columbus
The following are some of Ohio's major metropolitan areas: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Parma, Canton, and Youngstown.
An interesting nugget of trivia is that Ohio is known throughout the country as a "swing state" during presidential elections.
 Top 5 Best Places That Tourists to Visit in Ohio Ohio is famous for its outstanding visiting destinations including big cities, rolling agricultural land and so on. |
8.Georgia — 11,019,186
This state in the southeastern United States is known for its stunning beaches, fertile plains, and mountain ranges. The city of Atlanta, which serves as the state capital, also has the fifth highest job growth rate in the United States. This is due to the fact that major corporations such as Coca Cola and Delta Air Lines have made the area their home. In addition, Savannah, Georgia is a well-known tourist destination due to the historic buildings and well-known landmarks that can be found there. A brief rundown is as follows:
Georgia has a population density of 184.61 people per square mile, according to data provided by the United States Census Bureau. This places Georgia in the 17th spot on the list of states with the highest population density. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the majority of the population is concentrated within and directly surrounding the cities of Atlanta, Columbus, and the Augusta-Richmond area.
Notes on population: Georgia is currently one of the states with the fastest growing populations in the country. The most recent Census estimates show that Georgia's population increased by slightly more than 106,000 residents between the years 2018 and 2019, placing it among the top 10 states in terms of absolute population growth.
State capital: Atlanta
Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah are some of Georgia's most important urban centers.
A fun fact is that the state of Georgia has become a major hub for the film industry as a direct result of the state's generous tax credits for film productions.
 18 Richest People - Billionaires in Georgia, USA With Bernard Marcus being the richest person in Georgia, here is the top 18 richest and wealthiest billionaires in this state, according to Forbes. |
 |
| U.S Population 2023 |
9.North Carolina — 10,710,558
The state of North Carolina, stretching from the Appalachians to the Atlantic coast, is home to a diversified population and a thriving economy. The huge cities and numerous little communities in this southeastern state provide the best of both worlds. The state is also well-known for its delicious barbecue and warm, welcoming people. The gist of it is as follows.
North Carolina has the 15th highest population density in the United States, at 215.72 persons per square mile, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Carolina Population Center reports that rural parts of North Carolina are home to a sizable population. North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the US, behind only Texas, according to the group.
Notes on population growth indicate that North Carolina is among the fastest-growing states. There was an increase of almost 106,000 individuals in the state between the years 2018 and 2019. The most recent Census data places North Carolina at #4 in absolute growth and #10 in percentage growth between 2018 and 2019. That "marks the fourth year in a row that North Carolina has increased by more than 100,000 new residents," as the Carolina Population Center puts it.
Location of the state capital: Raleigh
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Cary, High Point, and Fayetteville are just some of North Carolina's major urban centers.
The "first in flight" motto of North Carolina honors the achievements of the Wright Brothers. The first American flight, in the plane they named "Kitty Hawk," occurred near North Carolina's Outer Banks.
 Top 10 Richest People in North Carolina Right Now |
10.Michigan — 10,135,438
This state in the Midwest is unique in the United States in that it consists of two peninsulas and borders four of the Great Lakes (the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula). Michigan is a popular boating destination because of its proximity to the Great Lakes and the thousands of smaller inland lakes. A brief summary is as follows:
A total of 176,64 people live in each square mile in Michigan, making it the 18th most populous state in the country. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren are major population centers.
While Michigan's population is "creeping upward," Michigan Radio reports that slow growth is due in large part to declining birth rates and reduced immigration to the United States. An additional finding from the group is that "for the first time since 2010, Michigan lost more residents to other states than it gained over the past year."
Lansing is where the state government is located.
Cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint are among the state's most populous.
Interesting fact: the Detroit area is home to the headquarters of several major automakers, so the state of Michigan is often called the "automotive capital" of the United States.
 Top 7 Amazing Food You Must Try in Michigan Michigan food is blessed with such variance in culture and resources that you can’t pin down any specific Michigan foods as being “the” iconic favorite. |
Top 10 US States with the Smallest Populations in 20231.Wyoming — 580,175 2.Vermont — 648,279 3.Alaska — 740,339 4.North Dakota — 811,044 5.South Dakota — 908,414 6.Delaware — 1,017,551 7.Rhode Island — 1,110,822 8.Montana — 1,112,668 9.Maine — 1,372,559 10.New Hampshire — 1,395,647 |
Ranking: Full List States by Population 2023
| Rank | State | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39,538,223 |
| 2 | Texas | 29,145,505 |
| 3 | Florida | 21,538,187 |
| 4 | New York | 20,201,249 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 13,002,700 |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,812,508 |
| 7 | Ohio | 11,799,448 |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,711,908 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,439,388 |
| 10 | Michigan | 10,077,331 |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,288,994 |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,631,393 |
| 13 | Washington | 7,705,281 |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,151,502 |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 7,029,917 |
| 16 | Tennessee | 6,910,840 |
| 17 | Indiana | 6,785,528 |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,177,224 |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,154,913 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,893,718 |
| 21 | Colorado | 5,773,714 |
| 22 | Minnesota | 5,706,494 |
| 23 | South Carolina | 5,118,425 |
| 24 | Alabama | 5,024,279 |
| 25 | Louisiana | 4,657,757 |
| 26 | Kentucky | 4,505,836 |
| 27 | Oregon | 4,237,256 |
| 28 | Oklahoma | 3,959,353 |
| 29 | Connecticut | 3,605,944 |
| 30 | Utah | 3,271,616 |
| 31 | Iowa | 3,190,369 |
| 32 | Nevada | 3,104,614 |
| 33 | Arkansas | 3,011,524 |
| 34 | Mississippi | 2,961,279 |
| 35 | Kansas | 2,937,880 |
| 36 | New Mexico | 2,117,522 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 1,961,504 |
| 38 | Idaho | 1,839,106 |
| 39 | West Virginia | 1,793,716 |
| 40 | Hawaii | 1,455,271 |
| 41 | New Hampshire | 1,377,529 |
| 42 | Maine | 1,362,359 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | 1,097,379 |
| 44 | Montana | 1,084,225 |
| 45 | Delaware | 989,948 |
| 46 | South Dakota | 886,667 |
| 47 | North Dakota | 779,094 |
| 48 | Alaska | 733,391 |
| 49 | Vermont | 643,077 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 576,851 |
 Top 20 U.S Richest Town in Every State That You Would Like to Live If you love enjoying a luxurious life without having to worry about money or wages, these richest towns in the U.S can be your perfect ... |
 Top 15 Highest Paying Companies in USA That You Should Try to Join Finding jobs in the United States is not easy, and one with a high wage is even more difficult. These highest-paying companies will pay you ... |
 Top 10 States With The Best Healthcare in the US Today Depending on where they live, some Americans have better health care options than others. If you want to learn more about which states have the ... |
 Top 10 States in the US With the Highest Wage In the U.S., where you live can affect your salary just like your job title can. The below-listed states have the highest statewide minimum wages ... |
 Why Are These 10 States Happiest in The US? Which state you live in will make a significant difference in your happiness and mental health. |
