US States and Territories: Key Facts and Statistics for 2024-2025
A comprehensive guide to US state populations, GDP, income, and territories
Key Takeaways
- California (39.3M), Texas (31.7M), Florida (22.5M) are the three most populous states
- Nine states gained over 100,000 people in 2024: AZ, CA, FL, GA, NJ, NY, NC, TX, WA
- Median US household income: $83,730 (2024); lowest: Mississippi ($59,100), highest: DC ($109,700)
- National poverty rate: 12.5%; child poverty: 14.3%
- US territories have combined population of 3.6-3.7 million
- Puerto Rico population: ~3.2 million; Guam: ~154,000
Most Populous US States
The United States consists of 50 states with vastly different populations, economies, and characteristics. According to US Census Bureau estimates, the five most populous states in 2024 are:
| Rank | State | Population (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39.3 million |
| 2 | Texas | 31.7 million |
| 3 | Florida | 22.5 million |
| 4 | New York | 19.5 million |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 13.0 million |
These five states contain approximately 40% of the total US population. California alone has nearly 40 million residents, more than the combined populations of the 22 smallest states.
World Population Review provides additional state population rankings and trends 2. The Hill’s coverage of population changes highlights which states are growing and shrinking fastest 3.
States with Largest Population Growth
Population growth varies significantly across states, driven by domestic migration, international immigration, and natural increase (births minus deaths).
According to Census Bureau data, nine states gained over 100,000 people in 2024 4:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Washington
These gains reflect continued migration patterns favoring the Sun Belt and states with strong economic opportunities 5.
Growth Drivers
Population growth comes from three sources:
- Domestic migration (people moving from other US states)
- International immigration (foreign-born residents moving in)
- Natural increase (births minus deaths)
Florida and Texas have consistently led in population growth, driven by:
- Lower cost of living
- No state income tax (Texas)
- Warm climate
- Strong job markets
GDP by State: Economic Output
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total economic output of each state. According to Bureau of Economic Analysis data, states with the highest GDP per capita in 2024 were:
| Rank | State/Region | GDP Per Capita (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $117,332 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $110,561 |
| 3 | Washington | $108,468 |
These high-income states benefit from concentrations of:
- Financial services (New York)
- Technology and biotech (Massachusetts, Washington)
- High-skill professional services
Wikipedia provides comprehensive state GDP rankings 7. The BEA’s news releases offer detailed quarterly and annual GDP data 8.
Median Household Income by State
Median household income provides a measure of typical family economic well-being. According to Census Bureau ACS data, the US median household income was $83,730 in 2024 9.
Income by State
State median household incomes vary significantly:
- Highest: Washington D.C. ($109,700)
- Lowest: Mississippi ($59,100)
- Range: Over $50,000 difference between highest and lowest
Visual Capitalist’s mapping shows these geographic disparities clearly 11.
Income Factors
State income levels reflect:
- Cost of living differences
- Industry composition (tech vs. manufacturing vs. agriculture)
- Education levels of the workforce
- Union density and labor market power
- Geographic location and natural resources
US Poverty Rates
Poverty rates measure the share of the population below the federal poverty line. According to the Census Bureau’s 2024 poverty report:
- National poverty rate: 12.5%
- Child poverty: 14.3% (down from 15.3% in 2023)
- Adult poverty (18-64): 9.6%
The decline in child poverty reflected policy interventions including enhanced Child Tax Credits 13.
Poverty by Demographics
Poverty rates vary significantly by:
- Age (children and elderly often have higher rates)
- Race/ethnicity (disparities persist)
- Education level (higher education correlates with lower poverty)
- Family structure (single-parent households face higher rates)
- Geographic location (urban/rural and regional differences)
Census poverty data provides ongoing tracking of these trends 14.
US Territories
The United States includes five permanently inhabited territories outside the 50 states. These territories have distinct political statuses and varying populations.
Population of US Territories
According to Congress.gov data, US territories have a combined population of approximately 3.6-3.7 million people 15:
| Territory | Approximate Population |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | 3.2 million |
| Guam | 154,000 |
| US Virgin Islands | ~100,000 |
| American Samoa | ~50,000 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | ~50,000 |
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the most populous US territory with approximately 3.2 million residents 17. It has been a US territory since 1898 and its residents are US citizens (though they cannot vote in presidential elections).
The Census Bureau’s Island Areas data provides detailed demographic information about these territories 18.
Territory Status and Representation
Territories differ from states in several key ways:
- No electoral votes for president (except DC)
- No voting representation in Congress (delegate only)
- Different federal benefit eligibility
- Different tax treatment (no federal income tax in some territories)
Puerto Rico has debated statehood status in multiple referenda, though Congress would need to approve any change.
Guam and Other Pacific Territories
Guam has approximately 154,000 residents and serves as a strategic US military location. The Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa have smaller populations but maintain unique cultural identities.
Frequently Asked Questions About US States and Territories
What are the 5 most populous states?
California (39.3M), Texas (31.7M), Florida (22.5M), New York (19.5M), and Pennsylvania (13M).
What states gained over 100,000 people in 2024?
Nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
What is the US median household income?
The median household income was $83,730 in 2024.
What state has the highest median income?
Washington D.C. has the highest median household income at $109,700.
What state has the lowest median income?
Mississippi has the lowest median household income at $59,100.
What is the US poverty rate?
The national poverty rate is 12.5%.
What is child poverty rate?
Child poverty was 14.3% in 2024 (down from 15.3% in 2023).
How many people live in US territories?
The five permanently inhabited territories have a combined population of 3.6-3.7 million.
What is Puerto Rico’s population?
Puerto Rico has approximately 3.2 million residents.
What are the 5 US territories?
The five permanently inhabited territories are: Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands.
What states have the highest GDP per capita?
New York ($117,332), Massachusetts ($110,561), and Washington ($108,468) have the highest GDP per capita.
Sources
- US Census Bureau – Population Estimates 2024
- World Population Review – State Populations
- The Hill – States Growing and Shrinking
- US Census Bureau – Population Growth 2024
- The Independent – US Population and Migration
- BEA – GDP by State
- Wikipedia – US States GDP Rankings
- BEA News Release – GDP State Data
- Census Bureau ACS 2024 – Median Income
- Advisor Perspectives – Median Income by State
- Visual Capitalist – Median Income Map
- Census Bureau – Poverty Report 2024
- Congress.gov – Poverty Data CRS
- Census Poverty Data
- Congress.gov – US Territories (R48522)
- CBPP – Federal Data Inequities in Territories
- World Population Review – US Territories
- Census Bureau – Island Areas Data
Last updated: March 2026
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