Virginia's Size Ranking Among U.S. States

When it comes to land area, Virginia sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. According to the latest data, the Commonwealth ranks 35th out of the 50 states, covering approximately 42,769 square miles.

How the States Stack Up

The top ten largest states are dominated by western giants:

1. Alaska – 665,400 sq mi
2. Texas – 268,597 sq mi
3. California – 163,696 sq mi
4. Montana – 147,046 sq mi
5. New Mexico – 121,590 sq mi
6. Arizona – 113,990 sq mi
7. Nevada – 110,572 sq mi
8. Colorado – 104,094 sq mi
9. Oregon – 98,381 sq mi
10. Wyoming – 97,818 sq mi

At the other end of the spectrum, Rhode Island is the smallest at just 1,545 square miles. Virginia's mid‑ranking means it is larger than 15 states but smaller than 34 others, giving it a diverse geography that ranges from the Atlantic coastline to the Appalachian Mountains.