The United States is the third-most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of 328.2 million as of 2021. Each state has its own population density, which can vary significantly from one region to another. Population density is a measure of the number of people living in a given area, usually expressed in terms of persons per square mile. So, what is the population density of each state in the US? Let's take a look.
Alabama
Alabama has a population density of 97.9 people per square mile, making it the third-least densely populated state in the nation. The majority of its population is concentrated in the north-central part of the state, along the Tennessee River. Birmingham, the state's largest city, has a population density of 2,369 people per square mile. Other major cities in Alabama include Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa.
Alaska
Alaska is the least densely populated state in the US, with a population density of 1.2 people per square mile. The majority of the state's population is concentrated in and around the city of Anchorage, which has a population density of 595 people per square mile. Other major cities in Alaska include Juneau, Fairbanks, and Ketchikan.
Arizona
Arizona has a population density of 58.3 people per square mile, making it the sixth-least densely populated state in the nation. The majority of its population is concentrated in the south-central part of the state, in and around the cities of Phoenix and Tucson. Phoenix, the state's largest city, has a population density of 4,305 people per square mile. Other major cities in Arizona include Mesa, Glendale, and Scottsdale.
Arkansas
Arkansas has a population density of 57.3 people per square mile, making it the fifth-least densely populated state in the nation. The majority of its population is concentrated in the northwestern part of the state, in and around the city of Little Rock. Little Rock, the state's largest city, has a population density of 1,867 people per square mile. Other major cities in Arkansas include Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Springdale.
California
California is the most densely populated state in the US, with a population density of 252.3 people per square mile. The majority of its population is concentrated in the southern part of the state, in and around the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Los Angeles, the state's largest city, has a population density of 8,454 people per square mile. Other major cities in California include San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento.
Colorado
Colorado has a population density of 50.6 people per square mile, making it the eighth-least densely populated state in the nation. The majority of its population is concentrated in the