How Many States Are in the U.S. Southeast? (It's Not 13)

The premise is incorrect: there are 16 states in the Southeastern United States (per Census Bureau and common regional definitions), not 13.

The 16 Southeastern States (Census Bureau Definition)

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Kentucky
6. Louisiana
7. Maryland
8. Mississippi
9. North Carolina
10. Oklahoma
11. South Carolina
12. Tennessee
13. Texas
14. Virginia
15. West Virginia
16. District of Columbia (federal district, not a state)

Why the Confusion?

• Historical "Deep South" / "Old South": Often 7–11 states (SC, GA, AL, MS, LA, FL, TX, AR, TN, NC, VA).
• SEC Conference: 14 universities (adding MO, TX, OK) — sports ≠ geography.
• Census Regions: "South" = 3 divisions: South Atlantic (DE, MD, DC, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL), East South Central (KY, TN, AL, MS), West South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX).

Sub-Regions

• Deep South: SC, GA, AL, MS, LA (core).
• Appalachia: KY, TN, WV, western NC/VA.
• Gulf Coast: TX, LA, MS, AL, FL panhandle.
• Atlantic Coast: VA, NC, SC, GA, FL east.

The "13" figure may stem from the original 13 colonies (only 5–6 are Southeastern) or an outdated definition. Modern standard: 16 states + DC.