The United States is a vast country with a population of over 332 million people as of 2022. It is divided into 50 states, each with its own unique culture, geography, and population. The population of the states varies greatly, ranging from around 585,000 in Wyoming to over 39 million in California.
As of 2022, the most populous state in the U.S. is California, with a population of over 39 million people. California is followed by Texas, with a population of over 29 million people, and Florida, with a population of over 21 million people. The top five most populous states are rounded out by New York, with a population of over 20 million people, and Pennsylvania, with a population of over 13 million people.
The least populous state in the U.S. is Wyoming, with a population of around 585,000 people. Other states with small populations include Vermont, North Dakota, and Alaska. Despite their small populations, these states are home to unique cultures and natural beauty that draw visitors from around the world.
The population of each state is not only important for statistical purposes but also has political implications. The number of representatives a state has in the U.S. House of Representatives is determined by its population, and states with larger populations have a greater number of electoral votes in presidential elections. Population growth and decline also affect the distribution of federal funding and the allocation of resources for public services.
The population of the U.S. is projected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by a combination of natural increase (births minus deaths) and immigration. Some states, particularly those in the Sun Belt region, are expected to experience particularly rapid population growth, while other states may see their populations decline as a result of aging and outmigration.
The changing population demographics of the U.S. have important implications for the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. As the population continues to grow and diversify, policymakers will need to address a wide range of issues related to healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure in order to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to thrive.
- California – 41,632,000
- Texas – 30,145,000
- Florida – 22,981,000
- New York – 19,907,000
- Pennsylvania – 12,926,000
- Illinois – 12,848,000
- Ohio – 11,747,000
- Georgia – 11,440,000
- North Carolina – 10,763,000
- Michigan – 10,023,000
- New Jersey – 9,196,000
- Virginia – 8,671,000
- Washington – 8,309,000
- Arizona – 7,743,000
- Massachusetts – 7,079,000
- Tennessee – 6,903,000
- Indiana – 6,732,000
- Missouri – 6,173,000
- Maryland – 6,101,000
- Wisconsin – 5,875,000
- Colorado – 5,780,000
- Minnesota – 5,701,000
- South Carolina – 5,331,000
- Alabama – 4,964,000
- Louisiana – 4,658,000
- Kentucky – 4,540,000
- Oregon – 4,465,000
- Oklahoma – 4,026,000
- Connecticut – 3,594,000
- Utah – 3,554,000
- Iowa – 3,155,000
- Arkansas – 3,119,000
- Nevada – 3,080,000
- Mississippi – 2,961,000
- Kansas – 2,938,000
- New Mexico – 2,129,000
- Nebraska – 1,973,000
- West Virginia – 1,764,000
- Idaho – 1,882,000
- Hawaii – 1,462,000
- Maine – 1,349,000
- New Hampshire – 1,384,000
- Rhode Island – 1,098,000
- Montana – 1,097,000
- Delaware – 1,001,000
- South Dakota – 903,000
- North Dakota – 780,000
- Alaska – 741,000
- Vermont – 623,000
- Wyoming – 575,000
Note: Population estimates are based on data from the United States Census Bureau and are current as of 2023.