Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Population density—people per square mile—reveals where Americans are packed closest together. The top ten states are all relatively small in land area but host major metropolitan corridors.
| Rank | State | Density (per sq mi) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | 1,210 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,029 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 889 |
| 4 | Connecticut | 743 |
| 5 | Maryland | 618 |
| 6 | Delaware | 589 |
| 7 | New York | 416 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 300 |
| 9 | Ohio | 286 |
| 10 | Illinois | 232 |
These states form the core of the Northeast megalopolis and the Great Lakes industrial belt. High density drives unique challenges and opportunities in infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental management.