While one’s favorite state or choice of home state is a matter of personal preference, some states are just more popular than others for a variety of reasons. This can be seen in the fastest-growing states and the most visited by travelers. Factors that set some states apart from others can include their quality of healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment. Some states are also considered to be more beautiful, more friendly, and even more fun than other states.
New York, specifically New York City, is well known for its culture, history, entertainment, art, music, and sports. Those looking for history can see the Statue of Liberty. This is what makes it the most visited state. For fans of entertainment, there are multiple Broadway theaters while Madison Square Garden hosts sports games and concerts. The city is also full of some of the world’s best dining experiences.
Florida is the second most visited state by foreign travelers. There’s a lot to do in Florida. There are a variety of beautiful beaches for people to visit. Florida is also well known for its amusem*nt parks, most notably Walt Disney World. The state also has consistent warm weather for most of the year and plenty of sunshine, warranting plenty of outdoor activities like beach trips, boating, and fishing.
California is one of the most beautiful states in the country. It has beautiful beaches, many mountains for skiing, plus national parks for hiking. Additionally, tourists flock to Los Angeles to see Hollywood with the hopes of spotting their favorite celebrities. Travelers also head slightly further north to see San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hawaii is the country’s piece of paradise. Who wouldn’t want to have a tropical getaway? Hawaii’s islands have pristine beaches, incredible volcanoes, and a beautiful culture that welcomes visitors. Hawaii is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers.
Nevada is the fifth-most visited state by foreign travelers in the United States. Aside from the Mojave Desert, Nevada is home to Las Vegas. This city is perfect for those looking to gamble and immerse themselves in the wild nightlife. Las Vegas also has several one-of-a-kind shows, including music, comedy, and acrobatics. Las Vegas is also a hotspot for travelers looking for shopping.
Fastest-Growing States
Another way to determine which states are the most popular is to look at their growth rates. If more and more people are moving to a state, there must be something special about it. The ten fastest-growing states in the United States, and their 2021 growth rates, are Utah (1.70%), Idaho (1.61%), Texas (1.49%), North Dakota (1.48%), Nevada (1.40%), Colorado (1.39%), Florida (1.37%), Washington (1.37%), Arizona (1.13%), and South Carolina (1.02%).
With the exception of a few states, such as Utah, the increase in population is a result of migration rather than because of high birth rates. These states are growing quickly because of favorable weather conditions, beautiful natural environments, good job markets, relatively low living costs, and various entertainment options. The rapid increase in population will cause real estate and rental prices across the state to increase and can lead to more traffic, pollution, and overall higher population densities, especially in urban areas.
FAQs
We're seeing more people move to the Southern Appalachian region, which includes states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. People are also continuing to move to select Florida cities and long-standing retirement favorites such as Boise, Portland (ME), and Phoenix.
What is the best state to live in in 2024? ›
Here's a list of the 10 best states to relocate to, according to Shoreline Immigration's report.
- New Hampshire. New Hampshire, the live free or die state, is the fifth-smallest state by area and the 10th least-populous state in the country. ...
- Wyoming. ...
- Virginia. ...
- Rhode Island. ...
- Wisconsin. ...
- Connecticut. ...
- North Dakota. ...
- Utah.
States By Population
| Rank | Region | State Population |
|---|
| 1. | California | 38.9M |
| 2. | Texas | 31.0M |
| 3. | Florida | 23.0M |
| 4. | New York | 19.5M |
46 more rowsWe're seeing more people move to the Southern Appalachian region, which includes states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. People are also continuing to move to select Florida cities and long-standing retirement favorites such as Boise, Portland (ME), and Phoenix.
What is the #1 best city to live in America? ›
Each year U.S. News & World Report releases a list of the Best Places to Live in the US. These top-rated cities always include a few big players, like Boston and San Francisco, as well as some surprises, like Green Bay, Wisconsin, landing the #1 spot.
What is the fastest growing state? ›
Top 10 states with the highest population increase since 2022
- Texas 473,453.
- Florida 365,205.
- North Carolina 139,526.
- Georgia 116,077.
- South Carolina 90,600.
- Tennessee 77,513.
- Arizona 65,660.
- Virginia 65,660.
Indeed, the nation's most populated state – California – is home to more than 67 times as many people as the least populated state – Wyoming. Regionally, the South accounts for almost 40% of the American population and is the most populous part of the country.
What states are growing and shrinking? ›
From 2020 to 2030, Vermont, West Virginia, and Rhode Island are projected to shrink the most, while Texas and North Dakota are projected to grow the fastest. And in the 2030s, West Virginia, Vermont, and Illinois are projected to shrink the most, while Texas, North Dakota, and Utah are projected to grow the fastest.
What is the cheapest state to live in? ›
Mississippi: According to World Population Review, in 2023, Mississippi holds the title of the cheapest state to live in the United States. Its cost of living index is 85, and overall costs in the state are 17% lower than the national average.
WalletHub released a 2023 report listing the safest states in the US. States were ranked based on 52 safety indicators, including work safety and emergency preparedness. Vermont scored the highest, followed by Maine.
What is the most expensive state to live in? ›
For instance, if a product costs $100 on average in the United States, and costs $120 in New York, the state of New York would have a cost of living index of 120. The most expensive US state to live in is Hawaii!
What is the best state to live in? ›
According to the survey, health care and education were ranked highest, and had the most weight in determining the best states to live. Utah once again topped the list, followed by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota and Idaho rounding out the top five.
What is the smallest state? ›
Rhode Island is the smallest state in size in the United States. It covers an area of 1,214 square miles. Its distances North to South are 48 miles and East to West 37 miles. Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state.
What is the biggest U.S. state? ›
Although its 50 states vary widely in size, one is by far the biggest: Alaska. At 665,384 square miles (1,723,337 square km), it is more than double the size of the second largest state, Texas, and more than 400 times the size of the smallest, Rhode Island. How do the other states stack up?
What is the safest state in the US in 2024? ›
1. New Jersey. New Jersey shines bright as America's safest state in 2024, with unparalleled low crime rates in various categories, leading with the nation's lowest assault offense rate at 430, closely followed by an impressively low homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000.
Which state has the best future? ›
- Utah. Utah will be the nation's No. 1 state to live in 2032. ...
- Minnesota. Full-time employment: 8. Economic confidence: 1. ...
- Colorado. Full-time employment: 10. Economic confidence: 12. ...
- Nebraska. Full-time employment: 2. Economic confidence: 6. ...
- North Dakota. Full-time employment: 1. ...
- Virginia. Full-time employment: 9. ...
- Iowa.
1: New York City, USA: Media company Time Out has named New York City as its best city for 2024. New York City's museum and theater scene were name-checked by Time Out as reasons why the US city came in at number one.
What state has the best value to live in? ›
The cheapest states to live in are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in in the US, with a cost of living index of 85. The second cheapest state to live in is Oklahoma, with a cost of living index of 85.8.
