List of U.S. states by population
A ranking of the 50 U.S.
This list ranks the 50 U.S. states by resident population, typically based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates or census counts. California is the most populous state, while Wyoming is the least populous. The list is used to compare state size by population rather than area or population density.
Ranking method
This topic covers the ordering of U.S. states by resident population, not by land area or density. Different lists may use different reference years, such as census counts or annual estimates, which can produce small differences in totals and rank order.
Top-ranked states
Recent rankings consistently place California first, followed by Texas and Florida. New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia also appear near the top in most recent lists.
Lowest-population states
Wyoming is consistently identified as the least populous state. Other low-population states commonly include Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Delaware, depending on the year and source.
Uses
State population rankings are used in demographic comparison, redistricting, public policy, and market analysis. They also help readers compare state populations with each other and with the national total.
Key facts
- California ranks first by population among U.S. states.
- Texas and Florida are typically the second- and third-most populous states.
- Wyoming is the least populous U.S. state.
- Population rankings are commonly presented using annual estimates rather than only decennial census counts.
- Population totals change over time, so rankings can shift slightly between sources and years.
Useful for Canadian readers comparing U.S. states by population, especially in cross-border trade, travel, migration, and market-size analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Which U.S. state has the largest population?
Which U.S. state has the smallest population?
Why do different population lists show slightly different numbers?
Does this list include Washington, D.C.?
Are these figures exact or estimated?
References
- Facts Institute — https://www.factsinstitute.com/ranking/states-by-population/Supports: Recent U.S. state population ranking; California first, Texas second, Florida third, and state population totals.
- Enchanted Learning — https://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/population.shtmlSupports: State population ranking for 2025, with California first and Wyoming near the bottom.
- World Population Review — https://worldpopulationreview.com/statesSupports: 2026 state population ranking and population estimates for major states.
- Statista — https://www.statista.com/statistics/183497/population-in-the-federal-states-of-the-us/Supports: California as the most populous state and Wyoming as the least populous in recent data.
- Nations Online Project — https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/US-states-population.htmSupports: California as most populous and Wyoming as least populous; general explanatory context.
- Internet Public Library — https://www.ipl.org/div/stateknow/popchart.htmlSupports: Population density context and identification of Wyoming as the least populous state.