The 50 U.S. states vary dramatically in population, land area, density, income, and growth. California is the most populous state with nearly 39 million residents, while Wyoming has fewer than 600,000. Alaska is by far the largest state by area, and the District of Columbia has the highest population density and median income among U.S. states and the federal district.
Between 2020 and 2025, the U.S. population grew by more than 10 million people, with nearly three-quarters of that growth concentrated in the South. Idaho led all states with a 10.4% increase, followed by Florida (8.9%) and South Carolina (8.8%). This article breaks down the latest Census Bureau state population estimates, rankings, and the migration and economic forces behind the shifts.
The U.S. housing market in 2025 and early 2026 is defined by persistent affordability challenges, near-record home price-to-income ratios, and existing home sales at three-decade lows. While rents have declined and some price growth has decelerated, cost burdens for renters and owners continue to climb, and residential permitting has fallen for a fourth consecutive year. This article summarizes the latest official data on home prices, homeownership, construction, and affordability.
The cost of living in the U.S. varies by as much as $75,000 per year between the most and least expensive states. Hawaii is the most expensive state with annual household costs of $141,127, while Oklahoma is the cheapest at $66,284. Housing costs are the biggest driver of state differences, followed by groceries, utilities, healthcare, and taxes.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that real median household income was $83,730 in 2024, statistically unchanged from $82,690 in 2023. The official poverty rate fell to 10.6 percent, while the Supplemental Poverty Measure was 12.9 percent. This article explains how median household income is measured, what it means, and the key trends behind the latest data.
In June 2026, the U.S. unemployment rate held at 4.2 percent, with rates lower in 8 states, higher in 2, and stable in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, and Minnesota recorded the largest year-over-year increases, while California, Indiana, Iowa, and Alaska saw declines. This article examines the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics state employment and unemployment data, including rankings, 12-month changes, and the number of unemployed by state.
Inflation is a general increase in the price of goods and services over time, reducing the purchasing power of the dollar. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks inflation primarily through the Consumer Price Index, which measures price changes in a fixed basket of household goods and services. As of July 2026, headline inflation was 3.4 percent year over year, while core inflation excluding food and energy was 2.5 percent. This article explains the definition, methodology, historical context, and limitations of U.S. inflation data.
California, Texas, New York, and Florida lead the nation in gross domestic product, with California alone producing more than $4.2 trillion in economic output in 2025. This article ranks all 50 states by GDP, explains how state GDP is calculated, and compares state economies to countries.
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the broadest measure of U.S. economic activity, capturing the total value of final goods and services produced within the country. Its growth rate, along with employment and unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, provides a comprehensive picture of economic health. This article explains how GDP is calculated, the difference between nominal and real GDP, and why these indicators matter for policymakers, businesses, and households.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates show California remains the most populous state with 39,355,309 residents, followed by Texas (31,710,000) and Florida (23,462,518). Wyoming is the least populous state with about 593,000 residents. This article provides a complete ranking, year-over-year changes, and analysis of state population trends from 2020 to 2025.