Barry PhilipsThe demographic composition of the United States varies widely from one region to another. While some states are known for their multicultural populations and global diversity, others remain predominantly White due to historical settlement patterns, migration trends, geography, and economic factors. Understanding the whitest states in the USA offers insight into American demographics, culture, and regional history.
Many of the whitest states are located in the Midwest, New England, and Mountain West regions. These states often have smaller immigrant populations and lower urban density compared to more diverse coastal states like California or New York.
In this article, we explore the top 20 whitest states in the USA based on the percentage of residents who identify as White alone according to recent demographic estimates.
Top 20 Whitest States In USA
1. Maine
Maine consistently ranks as the whitest state in America, with an overwhelmingly White population spread across its scenic coastal towns, forests, and rural communities. Located in the northeastern corner of the United States, Maine has historically attracted fewer immigrants compared to major metropolitan states.
The state’s economy traditionally revolved around fishing, forestry, shipbuilding, and tourism. Many families living in Maine can trace their ancestry back several generations, particularly to English, Irish, and French-Canadian roots. Portland is the state’s largest city, but even it remains relatively small compared to major urban centers elsewhere in America.
Maine’s low population density also contributes to its demographic makeup. The state has limited large-scale migration from abroad, helping maintain its longstanding cultural identity. Despite becoming slightly more diverse in recent years, Maine remains one of the least ethnically diverse states in the country.
The natural beauty of Maine, including Acadia National Park and its famous rocky coastline, continues to attract tourists and retirees seeking peaceful living environments.
2. Vermont
Vermont is another New England state with a predominantly White population. Known for its picturesque mountains, maple syrup production, and small-town charm, Vermont has long maintained a stable demographic profile.
The state’s population is relatively small, and many communities are rural and close-knit. Historically, Vermont was settled largely by people of English and French descent, and immigration levels remained lower than in industrialized states during major migration waves.
Vermont’s economy is heavily tied to agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Ski resorts and autumn tourism attract millions of visitors yearly, but these industries have not drastically altered the state’s ethnic makeup.
Cities like Burlington are gradually becoming more diverse, especially due to universities and refugee resettlement programs, but overall, Vermont remains one of the whitest states in the USA.
The state is also famous for progressive politics, environmental awareness, and a high quality of life, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers.
3. West Virginia
West Virginia is one of the whitest states in the southern Appalachian region. Its mountainous geography historically limited large-scale migration and urban expansion, helping preserve a relatively homogenous population.
The state’s economy was long dependent on coal mining, timber, and manufacturing. Many communities were built around mining towns where generations of families remained rooted for decades.
West Virginia has fewer major metropolitan areas compared to neighboring states, which partly explains its limited ethnic diversity. Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown are among the largest cities, yet they remain modest in size.
Economic challenges and population decline have also slowed immigration into the state. However, West Virginia possesses a rich cultural identity shaped by Appalachian traditions, bluegrass music, and outdoor recreation.
The state’s stunning mountain scenery and affordable cost of living continue to attract domestic migrants seeking quieter lifestyles.
4. New Hampshire
New Hampshire combines New England heritage with a predominantly White demographic profile. The state is famous for its mountains, forests, and strong tradition of local governance.
Historically, New Hampshire attracted settlers from England, Ireland, and Canada. Unlike larger northeastern states, it never experienced the same scale of immigration from Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
The economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and tourism. Despite its economic growth, New Hampshire has retained a relatively stable population structure.
Manchester and Nashua are the largest cities, but much of the state remains suburban or rural. Residents are often drawn to New Hampshire for its low taxes, scenic landscapes, and excellent schools.
In recent years, the state has experienced modest diversification, though it still ranks among America’s whitest states.
5. Idaho
Idaho has seen rapid population growth in recent years, yet it remains overwhelmingly White. Located in the Mountain West, the state is known for agriculture, outdoor recreation, and conservative political culture.
Boise, the state capital, has become increasingly popular among remote workers and retirees moving from expensive western states. However, much of Idaho remains rural and sparsely populated.
Historically, Idaho’s settlement patterns were shaped by European-American farmers, ranchers, and miners. Immigration levels remained relatively low throughout the twentieth century.
The state’s natural attractions, including mountains, rivers, and national forests, make it one of the most scenic places in the western United States.
Although Idaho is gradually becoming more diverse due to migration from other states, it still ranks among the whitest states in America.
6. Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the least populated states in the USA and also among the whitest. Its vast open landscapes, ranching culture, and energy-driven economy have shaped its demographic makeup.
The state’s economy revolves around oil, gas, coal, tourism, and cattle ranching. Many towns remain small and isolated, contributing to limited immigration and slower demographic change.
Cheyenne and Casper are the largest cities, yet Wyoming remains overwhelmingly rural. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park attract millions of visitors annually, but tourism has not dramatically diversified the state’s permanent population.
Wyoming’s frontier heritage and strong western identity remain central to its culture and social structure.
7. Iowa
Iowa is a predominantly White Midwestern state known for farming, agriculture, and small-town America. Cornfields and farmland dominate much of the landscape, while cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids serve as economic hubs.
Historically, Iowa attracted settlers from Germany, Scandinavia, and other European nations. Agriculture became the backbone of the state’s economy, encouraging stable rural communities.
Although Iowa has become somewhat more diverse due to immigration and refugee resettlement, it still ranks among the whitest states in the country.
The state also enjoys a reputation for excellent education systems, strong community values, and political importance during presidential elections.
8. Montana
Montana’s rugged landscapes and low population density contribute to its predominantly White demographic makeup. The state is famous for ranching, national parks, and outdoor adventure tourism.
Historically, Montana was settled largely by European ranchers, miners, and railroad workers. Many rural communities remain demographically stable even today.
Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are growing rapidly, especially as remote workers relocate to scenic western states. Nevertheless, the state overall remains heavily White.
Montana’s culture is strongly connected to western traditions, hunting, fishing, and frontier lifestyles.
9. North Dakota
North Dakota has one of the smallest populations in the United States and remains largely White. Scandinavian and German ancestry strongly influence the state’s cultural identity.
Agriculture and oil production dominate the economy, particularly after the Bakken oil boom increased economic activity in recent decades.
Fargo and Bismarck are among the state’s largest urban centers, but much of North Dakota consists of open plains and farming communities.
While the energy industry attracted some migration, the overall population remains relatively homogenous compared to national averages.
10. Utah
Utah’s population is heavily White, though the state has become more diverse over the years. The influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints historically shaped settlement patterns and migration trends.
Salt Lake City is the largest metropolitan area and has experienced increasing diversity due to economic growth and international migration.
Despite urban expansion, much of Utah remains suburban or rural, contributing to its demographic composition.
The state is renowned for its breathtaking national parks, booming tech sector, and strong family-oriented culture.
11. South Dakota
South Dakota combines agricultural traditions with a largely White population. The state’s economy centers on farming, ranching, tourism, and manufacturing.
Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills attract millions of tourists annually. However, outside tourism zones, many communities remain small and rural.
German, Norwegian, and Scandinavian ancestry remain common throughout the state. South Dakota also has a strong Native American presence, especially within reservation communities.
12. Nebraska
Nebraska’s identity is closely tied to agriculture and Midwestern traditions. The state remains predominantly White despite modest diversification in cities like Omaha and Lincoln.
European immigrants played a major role in shaping Nebraska’s farming economy during the nineteenth century.
Today, Nebraska continues to attract workers in agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing, though the overall demographic structure remains relatively stable.
13. Kentucky
Kentucky’s population is largely White, particularly outside urban centers such as Louisville and Lexington.
The state’s culture blends Appalachian traditions, southern hospitality, horse racing heritage, and bourbon production. Historically, Kentucky experienced less international immigration than major industrial states.
Rural communities dominate much of the landscape, helping preserve long-established demographic patterns.
14. Minnesota
Minnesota has historically been a predominantly White state with strong Scandinavian and German roots. Minneapolis and Saint Paul are becoming increasingly diverse, yet the statewide population remains majority White.
The state consistently ranks highly for education, healthcare, and quality of life. Its economy is powered by healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology.
Minnesota’s famous lakes, cold winters, and strong community culture continue to shape its regional identity.
15. Oregon
Oregon remains one of the whitest states on the West Coast. Portland is known for progressive politics and urban culture, but much of the state is rural and sparsely populated.
Historically, Oregon had exclusionary laws during its early statehood years that limited racial diversity. Although modern Oregon is far more inclusive, historical settlement patterns still influence demographics today.
Technology, forestry, agriculture, and tourism drive the economy.
16. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s strong German and Polish heritage contributes to its demographic makeup. Milwaukee is the state’s largest and most diverse city, while much of Wisconsin remains suburban or rural.
The state is known for dairy farming, manufacturing, sports culture, and scenic lakeside communities.
Despite growing diversity in urban areas, Wisconsin continues to rank among the whitest states nationally.
17. Kansas
Kansas is another Midwestern state with a predominantly White population. Agriculture plays a central role in the economy, alongside aviation manufacturing and energy production.
Cities like Wichita and Overland Park are becoming increasingly diverse, though much of the state remains rural.
Kansas also has deep historical significance due to its role in America’s westward expansion and Civil War history.
18. Indiana
Indiana’s demographic profile remains largely White, particularly in suburban and rural regions.
Indianapolis serves as the economic and cultural center of the state, while manufacturing continues to support many local economies.
Indiana’s location in the Midwest has historically attracted European-American settlers involved in farming and industrial work.
19. Missouri
Missouri combines Midwestern and southern influences with a predominantly White population. St. Louis and Kansas City are the state’s most diverse urban centers, while rural areas remain less diverse.
Agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare all contribute significantly to Missouri’s economy.
The state’s cultural identity is shaped by music, sports, barbecue traditions, and river commerce.
20. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rounds out the list of the top 20 whitest states in the USA. The state has major urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but large rural areas contribute to its overall demographic composition.
Historically, Pennsylvania attracted immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe. Many communities still reflect these cultural influences today.
The state’s economy is highly diversified, including healthcare, manufacturing, education, and finance.
Despite growing diversity in metropolitan areas, Pennsylvania remains majority White overall.
Top 20 Whitest States In USA (Quick Comparison Table)
| Rank | State | Estimated White Population (%) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 93% | New England |
| 2 | Vermont | 92% | New England |
| 3 | West Virginia | 90% | South/Appalachia |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 89% | New England |
| 5 | Idaho | 88% | Mountain West |
| 6 | Wyoming | 87% | Mountain West |
| 7 | Iowa | 86% | Midwest |
| 8 | Montana | 86% | Mountain West |
| 9 | North Dakota | 85% | Midwest |
| 10 | Utah | 85% | Mountain West |
| 11 | South Dakota | 84% | Midwest |
| 12 | Nebraska | 84% | Midwest |
| 13 | Kentucky | 83% | South |
| 14 | Minnesota | 82% | Midwest |
| 15 | Oregon | 81% | Pacific Northwest |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 81% | Midwest |
| 17 | Kansas | 80% | Midwest |
| 18 | Indiana | 79% | Midwest |
| 19 | Missouri | 78% | Midwest |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 77% | Northeast |
Comparison Table Of The Top 20 Whitest States In USA
| State | Major Industries | Largest City | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Fishing, Tourism | Portland | Coastline and lobster |
| Vermont | Tourism, Agriculture | Burlington | Maple syrup and skiing |
| West Virginia | Mining, Energy | Charleston | Appalachian culture |
| New Hampshire | Manufacturing, Tourism | Manchester | Mountains and low taxes |
| Idaho | Agriculture, Tech | Boise | Potatoes and outdoor life |
| Wyoming | Energy, Ranching | Cheyenne | Yellowstone and ranches |
| Iowa | Agriculture | Des Moines | Corn production |
| Montana | Ranching, Tourism | Billings | National parks |
| North Dakota | Oil, Farming | Fargo | Bakken oil fields |
| Utah | Technology, Tourism | Salt Lake City | National parks |
| South Dakota | Tourism, Farming | Sioux Falls | Mount Rushmore |
| Nebraska | Agriculture | Omaha | Great Plains farming |
| Kentucky | Bourbon, Horses | Louisville | Kentucky Derby |
| Minnesota | Healthcare, Tech | Minneapolis | Lakes and cold winters |
| Oregon | Forestry, Technology | Portland | Pacific Northwest scenery |
| Wisconsin | Dairy, Manufacturing | Milwaukee | Cheese production |
| Kansas | Agriculture, Aviation | Wichita | Wheat farming |
| Indiana | Manufacturing | Indianapolis | Auto industry |
| Missouri | Manufacturing, Agriculture | Kansas City | Barbecue culture |
| Pennsylvania | Healthcare, Finance | Philadelphia | American history |
Conclusion
The whitest states in the USA are primarily concentrated in New England, the Midwest, and the Mountain West. Historical settlement patterns, rural geography, lower immigration levels, and longstanding local cultures have all contributed to these demographic trends.
However, demographics across America continue to evolve. Many of these states are slowly becoming more diverse due to domestic migration, international immigration, educational opportunities, and economic growth.
Understanding these population patterns provides valuable insight into the cultural and historical makeup of the United States while highlighting the diversity that exists across different regions of the country.