U.S.: Population Density, by state
StateNumber of residents,
per square mile
U.S.U.S.93.97
District of ColumbiaDistrict of Columbia10,984.43
New JerseyNew Jersey1,260.15
Rhode IslandRhode Island1,059.58
MassachusettsMassachusetts895.36
ConnecticutConnecticut744.96
MarylandMaryland635.25
DelawareDelaware514.82
New YorkNew York420.91
FloridaFlorida406.34
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania289.77
OhioOhio288.32
CaliforniaCalifornia251.90
IllinoisIllinois228.24
HawaiiHawaii224.26
VirginiaVirginia218.83
North CarolinaNorth Carolina217.02
IndianaIndiana189.99
GeorgiaGeorgia187.82
MichiganMichigan177.80
South CarolinaSouth Carolina172.62
TennesseeTennessee169.16
New HampshireNew Hampshire155.16
WashingtonWashington116.46
KentuckyKentucky114.18
TexasTexas113.04
WisconsinWisconsin108.87
LouisianaLouisiana107.04
AlabamaAlabama99.52
MissouriMissouri89.76
West VirginiaWest Virginia74.17
MinnesotaMinnesota71.69
VermontVermont70.04
ArizonaArizona64.05
MississippiMississippi62.87
ArkansasArkansas58.16
OklahomaOklahoma58.11
IowaIowa57.16
ColoradoColorado56.08
MaineMaine44.49
OregonOregon44.24
UtahUtah40.61
KansasKansas35.89
NevadaNevada28.64
NebraskaNebraska25.56
IdahoIdaho23.00
New MexicoNew Mexico17.44
South DakotaSouth Dakota11.81
North DakotaNorth Dakota11.23
MontanaMontana7.59
WyomingWyoming5.96
AlaskaAlaska1.28
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2021
  • Published: Dec 2021

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico

District of Columbia's Exceptional Population Density

District of Columbia stands out with a population density of 10,984.43 residents per square mile, significantly higher than any state, showcasing its unique status as a densely populated urban area.

Top Five Densest States

Following the District of Columbia, the states with the highest population densities are New Jersey at 1,260.15, Rhode Island at 1,059.58, Massachusetts at 895.36, and Connecticut at 744.96 residents per square mile, indicating a concentration of population in the northeastern United States.

Lowest Population Densities in the U.S.

Alaska has the lowest population density with only 1.28 residents per square mile, followed by Wyoming at 5.96, Montana at 7.59, North Dakota at 11.23, and South Dakota at 11.81, highlighting the vast, sparsely populated areas in these states.

Comparison Between the Most and Least Densely Populated Areas

The population density of the District of Columbia is over 8,500 times greater than that of Alaska, illustrating the dramatic contrast between the most and least densely populated areas in the United States.

States with Mid-Range Population Densities

States like Texas and Washington have population densities of 113.04 and 116.46 residents per square mile, respectively, showcasing diverse geographic and demographic landscapes that do not fit into either extreme of population density.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population density of District of Columbia?

District of Columbia has a population density of 10,984.43 residents per square mile.

Which states have the highest population densities?

The states with the highest population densities are New Jersey with 1,260.15, Rhode Island with 1,059.58, Massachusetts with 895.36, and Connecticut with 744.96 residents per square mile.

Which states have the lowest population densities?

The states with the lowest population densities are Alaska with 1.28, Wyoming with 5.96, Montana with 7.59, North Dakota with 11.23, and South Dakota with 11.81 residents per square mile.

How does the population density of District of Columbia compare to that of Alaska?

The population density of the District of Columbia is over 8,500 times greater than that of Alaska.

Terms and Definitions

Population density is a measure that quantifies the concentration of people in a particular area. It typically expresses the number of individuals living per unit of area, often per square mile or square kilometer.

In this context, distribution refers to the way people are dispersed or spread out across various areas or regions. It describes the spatial layout or arrangement of a population in different states.

An urban area refers to a geographical region that is characterized by higher population density and extensive infrastructures in comparison to areas surrounding it. It's primarily residential and commercial territories and is often synonymous with cities or towns.

Rural areas are geographic areas that are located outside towns and cities. They are typically characterized by low population density, less developed infrastructure, and predominantly agricultural land use.
All statistics
All topics
U.S.: Demography
The demographics of the U.S encompass a diverse population with various ethnic backgrounds, age groups, educational attainment, income levels, and geographic locations, forming a multicultural and multifaceted society. Read more »
All locations
Virginia, USA
Explore the comprehensive statistical data on Virginia, US, encompassing a wide range of aspects including demographics, geography, and economy. Delve into the details such as population density, educational attainment, and median household income to get a vivid picture of life in Virginia. Read more »
Share