Southeast & South Central US States: Official Census Divisions

The U.S. Census Bureau defines these regions differently than common parlance. Here are the official Census Divisions:

South Atlantic Division (Often Called "Southeast")

• Delaware
• Maryland
• District of Columbia
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida

East South Central Division

• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• Mississippi

West South Central Division

• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma
• Texas

Common "Southeast" Grouping (Non-Official)

Often includes: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV (12 states).

Common "South Central" Grouping

Often: AR, LA, OK, TX (4 states) or KY, OK, TX (3 states, as in source).

Key Distinction: Census places DE, MD, DC in South Atlantic (not Northeast). KY is East South Central. AR, LA, OK, TX are West South Central.