The United States is vast, covering an incredible 3.5 million square miles, and is home to diverse landscapes and climates. While states like California lead in population, others dominate in sheer size. Let’s dive into the largest state in the U.S. and rank all 50 states from largest to smallest based on land area.
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What is the Largest State in the U.S.?
The title of the largest state in the U.S. belongs to Alaska, which spans an astonishing 586,000 square miles of land. That’s more than twice the size of the next-largest state, Texas. Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness, including Denali, North America’s tallest peak at 20,320 feet above sea level, and the Yukon River, the third-longest river in the U.S., stretching nearly 2,000 miles.
Although vast, Alaska is sparsely populated, with just over 733,000 residents according to the 2020 Census. This means there are nearly 0.93 square miles of land per person, providing unparalleled solitude and natural beauty.
The Smallest State in the U.S.
In contrast, Rhode Island is the smallest state, covering just 1,033 square miles. Despite its small size, Rhode Island boasts a population of over 1 million people, making it significantly more densely populated than Alaska. The state’s highest point is Jerimoth Hill, standing at 812 feet above sea level.
A Complete List of U.S. States by Land Area
Here is a comprehensive list of all 50 states ranked by land area, from largest to smallest:
| Rank | State | Land Area (Square Miles) |
| 1 | Alaska | 586,000 |
| 2 | Texas | 261,232 |
| 3 | California | 155,959 |
| 4 | Montana | 145,552 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 121,298 |
| 6 | Arizona | 113,594 |
| 7 | Nevada | 109,781 |
| 8 | Colorado | 103,641 |
| 9 | Wyoming | 97,093 |
| 10 | Oregon | 95,988 |
| 11 | Idaho | 82,643 |
| 12 | Utah | 82,169 |
| 13 | Kansas | 81,758 |
| 14 | Minnesota | 79,626 |
| 15 | Nebraska | 76,824 |
| 16 | South Dakota | 75,811 |
| 17 | North Dakota | 69,000 |
| 18 | Missouri | 68,741 |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 68,594 |
| 20 | Washington | 66,455 |
| 21 | Georgia | 57,513 |
| 22 | Michigan | 56,538 |
| 23 | Iowa | 55,857 |
| 24 | Illinois | 55,518 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | 54,157 |
| 26 | Florida | 53,624 |
| 27 | Arkansas | 52,035 |
| 28 | Alabama | 50,645 |
| 29 | North Carolina | 48,617 |
| 30 | New York | 47,126 |
| 31 | Mississippi | 46,923 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | 44,742 |
| 33 | Louisiana | 43,203 |
| 34 | Tennessee | 41,234 |
| 35 | Ohio | 40,860 |
| 36 | Virginia | 39,490 |
| 37 | Kentucky | 39,486 |
| 38 | Indiana | 35,826 |
| 39 | Maine | 30,842 |
| 40 | South Carolina | 30,060 |
| 41 | West Virginia | 24,038 |
| 42 | Maryland | 9,707 |
| 43 | Vermont | 9,216 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | 8,952 |
| 45 | Massachusetts | 7,800 |
| 46 | New Jersey | 7,354 |
| 47 | Hawaii | 6,422 |
| 48 | Connecticut | 4,842 |
| 49 | Delaware | 1,948 |
| 50 | Rhode Island | 1,033 |
Fun Facts About the Largest States
- Alaska: Beyond being the largest, it’s home to over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, offering unmatched natural beauty.
- Texas: Known as the “Lone Star State,” it’s rich in oil reserves and boasts vibrant cities like Houston and Dallas.
- California: The most populous state, home to Silicon Valley and Hollywood, and features iconic landmarks like Yosemite National Park.
- Montana: Nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” it’s famous for its rugged landscapes and Glacier National Park.
- New Mexico: Known for its desert landscapes, it’s also a hub for arts and culture, particularly in Santa Fe.
Why Does Size Matter?
Understanding the size of U.S. states highlights the country’s geographic diversity. From the vast wilderness of Alaska to the compact charm of Rhode Island, each state offers unique landscapes, cultures, and experiences.
Whether exploring the largest or smallest state, there’s always something new to discover in the United States. Which state do you want to explore next?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the largest state in the United States by land area?
The largest state in the U.S. by land area is Alaska, covering 586,000 square miles. It is more than twice the size of Texas, the second-largest state. Alaska is known for its stunning landscapes, including vast wilderness, glaciers, and the Yukon River. Despite its size, it has a relatively small population of around 733,000 people, giving it the lowest population density in the nation.
2. Which state has the largest population in the United States?
California has the largest population in the U.S., with over 39 million residents, according to the 2020 Census. It is home to major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. California’s economy is also the largest among U.S. states, driven by industries like technology, entertainment, and agriculture.
3. What is the smallest state in the U.S. by land area?
The smallest state by land area is Rhode Island, which covers just 1,214 square miles. Despite its size, Rhode Island has a population of over 1 million people, making it relatively densely populated. It is known for its coastal towns, historical landmarks, and seafood cuisine.
4. Which U.S. state is the most densely populated?
The most densely populated state is New Jersey, with approximately 1,263 people per square mile. This is due to its smaller land area (just 7,354 square miles) combined with a population exceeding 9 million. Its proximity to major urban centers like New York City and Philadelphia contributes to its high population density.
5. What state has the longest coastline in the United States?
Alaska has the longest coastline in the U.S., stretching over 6,640 miles. If you include the tidal shorelines, the number exceeds 33,000 miles. This is far more than any other state, with Florida coming in second. Alaska’s coastline includes countless inlets, bays, and islands, making it a haven for marine life and outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Which state has the most national parks?
California holds the record for the most national parks, with nine in total. These include iconic parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. California’s national parks showcase diverse landscapes, from towering redwoods to desert wilderness and mountain ranges.
7. Which is the hottest state in the U.S.?
The hottest state in the U.S. is Florida, with a year-round average temperature of 70.7°F. It is followed closely by Hawaii and Louisiana. However, when considering extreme heat, Death Valley in California holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in the U.S., at 134°F in 1913.
8. What state has the highest elevation in the U.S.?
The state with the highest elevation is Alaska, thanks to Denali, which reaches 20,310 feet above sea level. Denali, located in Denali National Park, is the tallest peak in North America and a popular destination for climbers and adventurers.
9. Which U.S. state has the most lakes?
Alaska has the most lakes, with over 3 million lakes, both named and unnamed. However, if you’re looking for the state with the largest amount of freshwater by surface area, that title goes to Minnesota, which is famously nicknamed “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Minnesota’s lakes are a key feature of its outdoor recreation.
10. What is the youngest state in the U.S.?
The youngest state in the U.S. is Hawaii, which became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. Hawaii is unique for its location in the central Pacific Ocean and is the only state composed entirely of islands. It is renowned for its tropical climate, volcanic landscapes, and rich Polynesian culture.
