The Sun Belt Is a Region, Not a State

Sun Belt = U.S. tier across the South & Southwest, roughly below 36°30′ N, characterized by warm winters and rapid post-WWII growth.

Core States (15–18 depending on definition)

• Southeast: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas.
• Southwest: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California (southern).
• Sometimes included: North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado (southern), Utah (south).

Drivers of Growth

• Air conditioning (Carrier, 1950s) made summers livable.
• Interstate highways, defense spending, aerospace, retirees, tax climate.
• 1950–2020: Sun Belt share of US population 28 % → 50 %.

Challenges

• Water scarcity (Colorado River, aquifers).
• Extreme heat / climate risk.
• Sprawl, infrastructure lag, inequality.