What is the least popular state in America?
Asked by: Zander Stracke | Last update: June 23, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)
Based on 2026 data, Illinois is currently cited as the least popular or most disliked state, with 25% of its own residents considering it the worst place to live. For least populous (a different metric), Wyoming is the lowest with roughly 588,000 residents as of 2025, a title it holds by a wide margin.
What is the most least popular state?
Based on recent data, Illinois is currently ranked as the most disliked or least popular state, with a rapidly shrinking population and 25% of its own residents calling it the worst place to live. However, Wyoming is consistently ranked as the least populous state, while Alabama and Mississippi often rank lowest in surveys regarding overall quality of life, economy, and health.
What is the least liked state in the United States?
According to 2026 data, Illinois is often cited as the most unpopular state, with roughly 25% of its own residents considering it the worst place to live, driven by high taxes, population decline, and regional divides. New Jersey and New York follow closely, frequently ranked as disliked due to high costs of living and dense, stressful environments.
What state is 90% white?
As of 2026 data, several U.S. states have populations that are approximately 90% white or higher, with Maine, Vermont, West Virginia, and New Hampshire consistently ranking as the whitest states. Maine is often cited as the highest, with estimates reaching up to 93.9% white.
What is the #1 overpopulated state?
California is consistently ranked as the #1 most populous state in the US, with an estimated population of over 39 million residents as of 2026, comprising nearly 12% of the nation's total. It has held this top position since surpassing New York in the 1960s.
Top 10 Least Populated US States.
What is the fastest declining state?
As of early 2026, Vermont is identified as the fastest-shrinking state by percentage, with a population decrease of 0.29% according to recent Census estimates. However, New York has sustained the highest overall, long-term numeric population loss since 2020, driven by high living costs and residents moving out.
Which state is the friendliest?
Based on 2025–2026 data, Minnesota is consistently ranked as the friendliest U.S. state due to its famous "Minnesota nice" culture. However, a 2026 study by SmartAsset placed Montana as number one based on high rates of socialization and volunteering. Other top contenders often cited for friendliness and hospitality include Tennessee, Texas, and Hawaii.
What is the blackest state in the USA?
Mississippi is considered the "blackest" state in the USA by percentage, with African Americans making up over 37% of its population. It has consistently held the top ranking for the highest percentage of Black residents in the nation, frequently followed closely by Louisiana and Georgia.
What is the average lifespan of Americans?
As of 2024 data released in early 2026, the average life expectancy for Americans is 79.0 years, reaching an all-time high after a 0.6-year increase from 2023. Life expectancy for females (81.4 years) is higher than for males (76.5 years).
Is America 70 percent white?
As of the latest American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024, an estimated 59.8% of the U.S. population—approximately 203.3 million people—identify as White alone, while Non-Hispanic Whites account for 56.3% of the population, or roughly 191.4 million people.
What is the most feared state in the US?
Top 10 Most Dangerous States in the U.S. (2025)
- Louisiana. High violent crime rates, frequent storm damage claims, and elevated insurance disputes.
- New Mexico. One of the highest property crime rates in the country, combined with increasing accident-related injuries.
- Alaska. ...
- Arkansas. ...
- Tennessee. ...
- Nevada. ...
- South Carolina. ...
- Arizona.
What is the #1 state people are leaving?
As of early 2026, California and New Jersey are frequently cited as the top states people are leaving. California leads in total volume of outbound residents (over 239,000 in 2024), driven by high housing costs, while New Jersey often ranks highest for the percentage of moves that are outbound.
What is the least fun state in the US?
Study says West Virginia is least fun state, but it didn't take these factors into account. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A study released on Tuesday said that West Virginia is the least fun state in America, but outdoor enthusiasts might disagree with the methodology.
What is the emptiest state?
As of 2026, Wyoming is the least populated U.S. state, with a population of approximately 588,000 to 590,000 residents. It has held this position for several years, often with a population less than any of the top 30 most populous U.S. cities.
What is the most forgotten U.S. state?
According to analysis of Sporcle's popular US states quiz (played over 35 million times), Missouri is frequently cited as the most forgotten state, with roughly 22–25% of participants failing to name it. Other top contenders often omitted include Delaware, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
What is the #1 best state?
Utah takes the crown as America's best state
Utah ranks No. 1 overall, emerging as the strongest performer across the Reader's Digest summary of national rankings. The state leads the country in infrastructure and fiscal stability while placing highly in economy, education, and crime metrics.
What birthday lives the longest?
People born in the autumn—specifically October—tend to live the longest, according to studies on longevity. Research suggests those born in October have a higher likelihood of reaching 100 years old compared to other months, often attributed to better early-life nutrition and lower exposure to seasonal illness.
What country is #1 in life expectancy?
Monaco is ranked #1 in the world for life expectancy, with residents living an average of roughly 86–89 years. Other top-ranking regions for longevity include San Marino, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, which all benefit from high-quality healthcare, healthy diets, and strong social support systems.
What are the odds of living to 85?
Roughly 15–20% of Americans are expected to live to age 85 or older. However, for those who have already reached age 65, the probability of reaching 85 is higher, with about 30–39% of women and 21–23% of men expected to live to or beyond 85 based on various actuarial studies.
What is the whitest U.S. state?
Based on 2026 population estimates, Maine is considered the whitest U.S. state, with approximately 90.8% to 93.9% of its population identifying as white. It is widely recognized as the least racially diverse state in the country, followed closely by other states in the Northeast and Midwest, such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.
Is 25% Black considered Black?
Whether someone with 25% Black ancestry is considered Black is subjective, often depending on cultural context, appearance, and personal identity rather than a fixed percentage. While historically, the "one-drop rule" classified anyone with known African ancestry as Black, modern perspectives often define this range as mixed-race.
Which state has the wealthiest Black population?
Georgia, specifically the Atlanta metro area, is frequently cited as having the highest concentration of Black wealth, often referred to as the "Black Mecca" with the highest number of Black millionaires. Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area also rank among the highest for median income and education.
What state is the most polite?
The most polite Americans live in Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama. The least polite Americans live in Nevada, New Jersey, and New York. Residents in Minnesota, Arkansas, and Nebraska think they are the most polite. When it comes to complimenting others, 34% of Americans do it at least once a day.
What is the freest state in the USA?
New Hampshire is consistently ranked the freest state in the U.S. by the Cato Institute, holding the top spot since 2011 due to its high scores in both economic and personal freedom, low taxes, and limited regulation. While some rankings place Florida top for fiscal policy, New Hampshire remains the overall leader.
What is the least welcoming state?
New York is frequently ranked as the least friendly state in the U.S., often cited for its fast-paced, direct culture that visitors can mistake for rudeness. Other top contenders for least friendly include Arkansas, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey, largely due to high population density and perceived lack of patience with tourists.