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Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

US Population Map

All the way from the east coast to the west and from the north to the south, the US is generously packed with a plethora of places that are perfect to start a new life. When it comes to moving to a new state, there are a lot of things to consider before making the decision. It’s important to know that the state you’re planning to move to is well suited for you to make a move.

Sometimes, just knowing that enough people move to a particular state is enough to put our minds at ease. That could work just as well for states which tend to have a high population in general. Simply because that’s a good indicator of how many people consider that state as a good place to live. Essentially, the population of a state does end up becoming an important aspect of making the decision.

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To help you with your decision making, here are the top 10 largest states by population in the US:

10. Michigan

Detroit, Michigan

Population of Michigan: 10,031,900

Density of Population in Michigan: 176.8 residents per square mile

Capital of Michigan: Lansing

Largest city in Michigan: Detroit

Unemployment rate of Michigan: 4.1% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Michigan: $75,352 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Michigan: $54,938 Per Annum

About Michigan: Famously dubbed as the “Wolverine State” and the “Great Lake State”, Michigan proudly flaunts its vast stretch of shoreline. In fact, it’s the longest freshwater shoreline in the entire US.

In terms of states with the largest area, Michigan ranks 11th in the entire US. Beyond Detroit and Lansing, the most prominent cities in Michigan are Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor.

The automotor industry is quite prominent in Michigan and the state’s economy does rely to a fair extent on it. In fact, General Motors, Chrysler all have their headquarters in Michigan, a state that’s also considered the capital of automotors industry in the US.

See also: Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S.

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9. North Carolina

North Carolina

Population of North Carolina: 10,488,084

Density of Population in North Carolina: 208.7 residents per square mile

Capital of North Carolina: Raleigh

Largest city in North Carolina: Charlotte

Unemployment rate of North Carolina: 3.9% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in North Carolina: $53855 Per Annum

Median Household Income in North Carolina: $67,816 Per Annum

About North Carolina: A state that can offer you everything from the luxuries of an urban city life to the comforting countryside living. North Carolina also happens to be home to some of the best restaurants and breweries in the country. The state is blessed with a coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the dense forests on its western end.

The state has rapidly been experiencing a spike in population, thanks to the quality of life, affordable cost of living and relatively lower taxes then some of the other states. All of that combines with the beauty of the state’s picturesque landscape. Perfect for anyone who would like to get their fair share of thrill, with sites like the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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See also: North Carolina Relocation Guide

8. Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

Population of Georgia: 10,617,423

Density of Population in Georgia: 165 residents per square mile

Capital of Georgia: Atlanta

Largest city in Georgia: Atlanta

Unemployment rate of Georgia: 3.4% in 2019 (Lower than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Georgia: $78,574 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Georgia: $55,679 Per Annum

About Georgia: A state that’s not just famous for being the highest producer of pecans and peanuts in the US, but also for having a strong game in the manufacturing industry. The Peach State, as Georgia is often labelled, is a great place to move, thanks to its stable and still booming economy.

Georgia’s fascinating historical sites, wonderful beaches and the lush green mountains make it a beautiful place to explore as well. Another aspect which makes the state more attractive are Georgia’s tax rates. While they do have separate local taxes for certain commodities, the overall taxes in Georgia are far from some of the more expensive states.

See also: Lowest Cost of Living States

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7. Ohio

Ohio State

Population of Ohio: 11,689,100

Density of Population in Ohio: 282 residents per square mile

Capital of Ohio: Columbus

Largest city in Ohio: Columbus

Unemployment rate of Ohio: 4.1% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Ohio: $74109 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Ohio: $54533 Per Annum

About Ohio: When it comes to an affordable cost of living and prominence in the manufacturing industry, Ohio can definitely keep its head held high. Beyond its suitability for small to medium sized businesses, Ohio can proudly boast of its love for American Football.

See also: Moving to Ohio

The state is undoubtedly a great place to move to, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland highlighting just how much Ohio has to offer. Ohio’s many gorgeous lakes and waterfalls should be just another incentive to anybody thinking of moving here.

See also: 15 Reasons to Move to the Midwest

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6. Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Population of Illinois: 12,671,821

Density of Population in Illinois: 232 residents per square mile

Capital of Illinois: Springfield

Largest city in Illinois: Chicago

Unemployment rate of Illinois: 4.0% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Illinois: $88,857 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Illinois: $65,030 Per Annum

About Illinois: Much can be said about the Land of Lincoln. To begin with, it’s a great place for retired folks and those looking to start a family alike. Illinois has an attractive cost of living in general. Moreover, Illinois also stands tall in terms of its offerings with academics. The state has plenty of fantastic Universities, including Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Chicago.

With many wonderful state parks, 4 seasons gracing the state throughout the year and many ski resorts also coming up, making that move to Illinois could very well be one of the best decisions you take.

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5. Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Population of Pennsylvania: 12,801,989

Density of Population in Pennsylvania: 284 residents per square mile

Capital of Pennsylvania: Harrisburg

Largest city in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia

Unemployment rate of Pennsylvania: 4.4% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Pennsylvania: $81,549 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Pennsylvania: $59,195 Per Annum

About Pennsylvania: From its stunning outdoors to the much famed Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania knows just how to entice visitors. The state’s magnificent forests and mountain trails are a delight for nature lovers.

But what’s even more amazing is Pennsylvania’s booming tech industry and startup scene in some of the bigger cities. This makes Pennsylvania’s economy pretty reliable for a fresh start, especially considering the low cost of living and high quality of life.

See also: 7 States with Lowest Taxes

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4. New York

New York

Population of New York: 19,453,561

Density of Population in New York: 416.42 residents per square mile

Capital of New York: Albany

Largest city in New York: New York City

Unemployment rate of New York: 4.6% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in New York: $83,311 Per Annum

Median Household Income in New York: $67,844 Per Annum

About New York: A tech and financial powerhouse like New York is always going to have its way of pulling people towards it. One of the many reasons why people move to the state is the job opportunities available here. Despite being a massive natural cultural hotspot that’s packed with a huge density of population, New York is a place where one can still catch a breath every once in a while. After all, the state is perfect for anyone whose heart beats for mountains and hiking. Moreover, the state is also famous for being a wine country.

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3. Florida

Florida State

Population of Florida: 21,477,737

Density of Population in Florida: 384.3 residents per square mile

Capital of Florida: Tallahassee

Largest city in Florida: Jacksonville

Unemployment rate of Florida: 3.1% in 2019 (Lower than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Florida: $76,652 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Florida: $53,267 Per Annum

About Florida: If you want to be livin’ la vida loca, count on Florida to give you a taste of the fine and fruitful life. Known to be a state with some of the best beaches and an energetic lifestyle, Florida’s contagious energy is unmissable. The state also has one of the strongest economies in the entire country, with the job market being full of opportunities.

See also: Largest Cities in FL

Add to it the fact that Florida is one of those US states which doesn’t have a State Income Tax. The fast paced life of Florida is certainly exciting, the state is just as good a place for people to retire. Apparent in its name, the Sunshine State also boasts of great weather.

See also: Moving to Florida

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2. Texas

Texas

Population of Texas: 28,995,881

Density of Population in Texas: 108 residents per square mile

Capital of Texas: Austin

Largest city in Texas: Houston

Unemployment rate of Texas: 3.5% in 2019 (Lower than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in Texas: $84,221 Per Annum

Median Household Income in Texas: $59,206 Per Annum

About Texas: A state famous for the invention for BBQ, Texas is certainly a food haven. Add to it the fact that Texas has no state or corporate income tax, making it an all the more interesting option to consider a move.

The state’s warm weather is also complemented by the warm hospitality you experience in the Lone Star state. Beyond these reasons, what’s undeniable is the scenic landscape of Texas. The state is packed with beauties such as Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Big Bend National Park. Click here to read more about the top 10 largest cities in Texas.

See also: Moving to Texas

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1. California

California State Flag

Population of California: 39,512,223

Density of Population in California: 253.6 residents per square mile

Capital of California: Sacramento

Largest city in California: Los Angeles

Unemployment rate of California: 3.9% in 2019 (Higher than national average of 3.6%)

Average Household Income in California: $86,165 Per Annum

Median Household Income in California: $71,228 Per Annum

About California: The largest state in the US is a powerhouse in more ways than one. It is the country's largest economy. California is one of the most famous tourist destinations for many, after all, it’s the Hollywood state. With places like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Yosemite Falls and Alcatraz islands, California proves time and again why it’s one of the most glitzy and dreamy places to live in. The cultural diversity and nightlife here are some other reasons which make it hard to resist visiting California.

See also: Best Places to Live in California

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Related: Moving Out of State Checklist

Conclusion

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. A lot depends on your lifestyle, your reasons for moving, your career path and other different variables. But the number of people living in a place is often a tiny indicator of whether or not the state can be a good option to move to. At the end of the day, the decision is in your hands.

See also: Largest U.S. Cities By Population