Mid-Atlantic States: Defining the Region
The Mid-Atlantic is a census-designated region (US Census Bureau Division 2) comprising 8 states + DC:
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington, D.C. (federal district)
Alternative Definitions
- Historical/Cultural: Often NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, DC (excl. VA, WV as "South").
- Economic (BEA): Same as Census.
- Metro corridors: BosWash (Boston–Washington) overlaps heavily.
Key Characteristics
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Population (2023) | 60.5M (18% US) |
| GDP (2022) | $4.8T (19% US) |
| Density | 450/sq mi (vs. 94 US avg) |
| Major Metros | NYC, Philadelphia, DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Buffalo |
| Coastline | Atlantic + Chesapeake Bay |
Historical Significance
- 5 of 13 original colonies (NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD).
- Revolutionary War – NYC, Philadelphia, Yorktown (VA).
- Capital cities: NYC (1785–90), Philadelphia (1790–1800), DC (1800–).
- Immigration gateway – Ellis Island, Baltimore, Philadelphia.
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