The US population is aging fast. According to the latest available data, nationally, the median age in the US is 38.8 years. The median age began to increase as the baby boomers reached their ripe ages. On the other hand, the birth rate in the country has fallen significantly during the last few decades as more and more people have decided not to have a child.
The median age of its population affects a country’s economy and its cultural and social life. In general, a younger population means more people in the workforce, more productivity, more innovation, and more prosperity.
The population’s age profile differs, sometimes significantly, from one US state to another. It depends on various factors, including but not limited to geographical location, climate and weather, and quality of life.
Here we list the 8 youngest states in the US. These 8 states have the lowest median age in the country.
8. California
Median Age: 36.7
Percentage of population under 18: 22.4
Population estimates: 4,019,800 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1850
photo source: wikipedia.org
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California is the most populous and third-largest state in the US. The state’s population density stands at 251.3 per square mile. Although California is one of the youngest states, it has the highest number of older individuals.
California shares borders with Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and the Mexican state of Baja California. It has the largest economy in the US. Had it been a sovereign state, California would rank as the fifth-largest economy in the world.
California has one of the most diverse populations in the world. 56.05% of its population are White Americans, 14.83% are Asians, and 5.72% are African Americans.
Did you know?
California is the state where the internet was born. The first message over the Arpanet was sent from Room 3420 at Boelter Hall on the south campus of UCLA to Standford.
7. Oklahoma
Median Age: 36.7
Percentage of population under 18: 24.1
Population estimates: 4,019,800 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1907
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Oklahoma was the 46th state to enter the Union. The state is located in the South-Central region and shares borders with Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Oklahoma is the 20th largest state with a fairly lower population density. The average population size is 54.7 people per square mile. 65% of the population resides in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas. In these areas, the population density is more than 5,000 people per square mile.
The territory was acquired by the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and soon became a settlement for Indian tribes displaced from other states. Due to the large presence of the Native American population, the area was known as the Indian Territory.
Oklahoma still has a large Native American population, which is estimated at 7.69% of the total population. Besides, African Americans constitute 7.29% of the population.
Did you know?
Oklahoma state capitol building has an oil well directly underneath it.
6. Idaho
Median Age: 36.6 years
Percentage of population under 18: 24.7%
Population estimates: 1,939,033 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1890
photo source: wikipedia.org
photo source: www.usnews.com
Idaho is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western US. The state is divided into various distinct geographic and climatic regions. It has several stretches of Rocky Mountains and contains a part of the Great Basin.
Idaho is the 14th largest state by landmass with a total surface area of 83,570 square miles. The population density is around 21.6 people per square-mile area. Idaho has one of the lowest proportions of African American people. Only 0.66% of the state’s population is Black.
The Idaho Territory was created in 1863. The 1870 US Census estimates Idaho’s population to be 14,999. In the next 10 years, the number had more than doubled, and the population was estimated to be 32,610. A similar growth rate continued for the rest decades of the 19th century. The state was admitted to the union in 1890, and by 1900,161,772 citizens were living in this newly-born state.
Did you know?
Near one-third of potatoes in the US are grown in Idaho. The state is also known for producing the largest potato in the world.
5. Nebraska
Median Age: 36.6 years
Percentage of population under 18: 24.6%
Population estimates: 1,967,923 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1867
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Nebraska is a Midwestern US state that shares its borders with South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. The state was admitted to the union in 1867, two years after the end of the American Civil War.
Nebraska is predominantly white, with an 85.31% white population. Only 4.78% of its population is African American, 2.49% Asian, and 0.88% Native American. During the 1860s, Nebraska had a population of about 28,842 people.
However, during the next decade, it increased by 325% due to the Californian Gold Rush. The state witnessed a similar increase in population throughout the rest of the 19th century; as a result, by the beginning of the 20th century, Nebraska’s population reached 1 million.
Did you know?
The largest indoor rainforest in the United States is located in Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska.
4. North Dakota
Median Age: 35.2 years
Percentage of population under 18: 24%
Population estimates: 779,261 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1889
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North Dakota is the 19th largest state in the US. However, the population is quite low in the state. The population density is 9.7 people per square mile of area.
According to the latest estimates, North Dakota is the fourth least populous and fourth most sparsely populated state.
It is also the fourth youngest state with a median age of 35.2 years, more than three years less than the national average.
North Dakota was formed from the Dakota territory organized in 1861. It was admitted to the union in 1889.
Historically, North Dakota was almost exclusively rural and was heavily dependent on agriculture. Since the early 20th century, the state has experienced out-migration at an alarming rate due to its limited employment opportunities. Many of its young population left the state to find a better life.
However, in the 21st century, the scenario changed after the oil extraction from the Bakken formation. Now the state has the second lowest unemployment rate in the US.
Did you know?
Bank of North Dakota is the only state-run general service bank in the US. The bank was founded in 1919 as a result of the rising radical agrarian movement and economic cooperatives in the state.
3. Texas
Median Age: 34.8 years
Percentage of population under 18: 25.3%
Population estimates: 30,029,572 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1845
photo source: wikipedia.org
photo source: www.usnews.com
Texas is the second largest state in the US in terms of its area as well as population. The state is located in the South-Central region of the US along the US-Mexico border. It is the third fastest-growing state with a 1.80% population growth rate.
Texas shares borders with the US states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. It also shares borders with several Mexican states, including Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas.
The state has three cities with more than 1 million people, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. It has 53 Fortune 500 company headquarters, the highest in the United States. It has the second-highest gross state product and leads in many industries such as agriculture, computer, aerospace, tourism, and energy.
Did you know?
The name Texas comes from the Native American language Caddo. In Caddo, taysha means friends.
2. Alaska
Median Age: 34.3 years
Percentage of population under 18: 24.5%
Population estimates: 733,583 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1959
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Alaska is the second youngest state in the US. Here, we are not considering Washington DC, a federal district with a median age lower than Alaska.
Alaska is the largest US state by landmass. Its total area is larger than the area of the three next largest states (Texas, California, and Montana) combined. It is the third-least populous and most sparsely populated state in the country.
Despite having one of the smallest state economies in the country, Alaska has one of the highest per capita incomes thanks to its diversified economy. The state earns most of its revenues from oil, natural gas, and fishing.
Did you know?
Alaska has the highest population percentage (over 15%) of indigenous populations compared to any other state in the US.
1. Utah
Median Age: 31.2 years
Percentage of population under 18: 28.4%
Population estimates: 3,380,800 (US Census 2022 estimate)
Statehood year: 1896
photo source: wikipedia.org
photo source: www.visitutah.com
Utah is the youngest state in the US, with its population’s median age of 31.2 years. Utah has been one of the fastest-growing states for the last two decades. Currently, it is the 30th most populous state in the US and the 4th fastest growing state with a 1.64% population growth rate.
Utah is a landlocked state located in the Western part of the country. It is a sparsely populated country, with a majority of its population living in and around its capital, Salt Lake City. Utah ranks 43rd in terms of its African American population percentage.
Did you know?
Utah has the least income inequality of any US state, and despite being the youngest state, it has the lowest child poverty rate in the country.
