The United States is the third-largest country on the Earth that occupies almost 40% area of the North American continent. All states constitute the political units that together make up the country -the United States of America. Each state is unique and has a long history behind its establishment and inclusion in the union. The census bureau designs boundaries of states as per the convenience of the political functioning of states. In this blog, we have provided valuable insights about the 10 largest states in the USA by area. These insights will pique your curiosity and enhance your knowledge about them.
Top 10 Biggest states in the USA by Area
US State | Total Square Miles | Total Square km |
Alaska | 665,384 | 1,723,337 |
Texas | 268,596 | 695,662 |
California | 163,695 | 423,967 |
Montana | 147,040 | 380,831 |
New Mexico | 121,590 | 314,917 |
Arizona | 113,990 | 295,234 |
Nevada | 110,572 | 286,380 |
Colorado | 104,094 | 269,601 |
Oregon | 98,379 | 254,799 |
Wyoming | 97,813 | 253,335 |
1. Alaska
Area: 665,384.0 Sq. miles
Population: 736,081
Capital: Juneau
Fun Fact: Alaska is the land of volcanoes
Alaska is nicknamed “The Last Frontier” since it is the 49th state of the United States and the only one to be apart from other states. It has the state’s largest glacier named Matanuska Glacier and altogether Alaska consists of 3 million glaciers. The total area of 16.7 million acres includes forest cover of the state and Juneau is the only US capital accessible by road which is part of Alaska.
2. Texas
Area: 268,596.46 Sq. miles
Population: 29,145,505
Capital: Austin
Fun Fact: The deadliest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. occurred in Texas (Great Galveston Hurricane)
In 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the union which occupies the south-central segment of the country. Its territory was a part of the Spanish Empire for more than a century and it was a part of Mexico for some time. The dominant natural resources of Texas are cotton, cattle, and petroleum.
3. California
Area: 163,695 Sq. miles
Population: 39,185,605
Capital: Sacramento
Fun Fact: Death Valley of California is the hottest desert in North America
California is one of the top most producers of Lemons, apricots, avocados, dates, figs, grapes, kiwi, etc. It is the home to the “Avocado Capital of the World” and one of the most populous states in the U.S. The Golden Gate Bridge, Windows wallpaper, and Sequoia National Park are famous tourist attractions places in California.
4. Montana
Area: 147,040 Sq. miles
Population: 1,085,407
Capital: Helena
Fun Fact: Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park
Montana is nicknamed “The Treasure State” and Billings is its biggest city by area. It has a very low population density as compared to other states in the USA and it is the only state to share the largest international border with Canada. Mining and agriculture are revenue-generating industries. Montana is a prominent location for livestock farming and it has more cattle than human beings.
5. New Mexico
Area: 121,590 Sq. miles
Population: 2,117,522
Capital: Santa Fe
Fun Fact: The first atomic bomb exploded in New Mexico
New Mexico has rich fossil fuel and alternate energy resources and it is mainly known for its diverse landscapes. It is located in the Southwestern region of the United States and the southern end of the Rocky Mountains dipping into New Mexico. It is the fifth biggest state in the USA. Lasers, data processing, solar energy, and semiconductors are emerging technological industries in the state.
6. Arizona
Area: 113,990 Sq. miles
Population: 7,151,502
Capital: Phoenix
Fun Fact: Sonoran Desert of Arizona is the only place on earth in which the iconic saguaro cactus grows
Arizona is the last of the Contiguous states to be accepted in the union; initially, it was a part of New Spain. The state is the major hub of the Sun Belt and its population and economy experienced growth post-1950s due to migration from other states. One-quarter of the population consists of Indian residents. Hoover Dam, Saguaro National Park, and Petrified Forest national park are major tourist spots to visit in Arizona.
7. Nevada
Area: 110,572 Sq. miles
Population: 3,104,614
Capital: Carson City
Fun Fact: Las Vegas, a city in Nevada contains more hotel rooms than any other city in the USA
Nevada is the seventh of all biggest state in the USA; it is reputed for its libertarian laws. It is one of the least populated states but the fourth largest producer of Gold in America. The economy of Nevada is driven primarily by the tourist industry and the per capita income of the state is $53,635. It has the largest water reservoirs located on its border.
8. Colorado
Area: 104,094 Sq. miles
Population: 5,773,714
Capital: Denver
Fun Fact: It has the tallest sand dunes in America
Colorado has the world’s largest natural hot springs swimming pool and it is home to the deepest hot springs as well. Grand Mesa is the largest flattop mountain in the world which is situated in Colorado. It is among the most educated, developed, and wealthiest states in America and is notable for its diverse geography.
9. Oregon
Area: 98,379 Sq. miles
Population: 4,246,155
Capital: Salem
Fun Fact: First state to ban plastic bottles and cans in the USA
Oregon has a diverse landscape that provides a diverse environment for various types of farming. It is one of the major hazelnut-producing states in the USA and has a huge history of wine production. Oregon has the largest salmon-fishing industry in the world and dominates in hydroelectric energy production due to the abundance of waterways.
10. Wyoming
Area: 97,813 Sq. miles
Population: 576,850
Capital: Cheyenne
Fun Fact: It is the least populated state in the USA
Wyoming is a part of the Rocky Mountain range and there are 32 islands within the borders of the state. It is the first state to grant women voting rights in the USA and the first to have women as a governors also. The state consists of plenty of fossil fuels and has the world’s biggest coal mines in its north region.
Conclusion:
The United States of America has a diverse climate and strategic geo-political location on the North American continent. Some states share an international border with Canada and Mexico and some of them are landlocked. The biggest states in the USA have the largest share of natural resources which drives their economy and develops strong regional political leadership. We hope you enjoyed reading this information about the 10 biggest states in the USA and added to your general knowledge.
Also Read: Richest States in America [Updated 2024]