which us state has the lowest population
Wyoming holds the title as the US state with the lowest population. Recent estimates place its residents at around 590,000, far below denser states like California or Texas. This sparse number stems from its vast landscapes and rugged terrain, which limit urban growth.
Why Wyoming?
Wyoming's low count traces back to its geography—think endless plains and mountains that deter mass settlement. Harsh winters and a focus on ranching over industry keep numbers down, unlike booming neighbors. As of 2025 data, it clocks in at 590,169, edging out Vermont's 648,278.
Population Ranking
Here's a snapshot of the 10 least populated states (2025 estimates):
| Rank | State | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | 590,169 | [1]
| 2 | Vermont | 648,278 | [1]
| 3 | Alaska | 743,756 | [1]
| 4 | North Dakota | 804,089 | [1]
| 5 | South Dakota | 931,033 | [1]
| 6 | Delaware | 1,067,410 | [1]
| 7 | Montana | 1,143,160 | [1]
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,121,190 | [1]
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,415,860 | [1]
| 10 | Maine | 1,410,380 | [1]
Trending Context
Online forums buzz about Wyoming's solitude, with some calling it a "hidden gem" for remote workers post-2024 shifts. Discussions note slight upticks from energy jobs, but it stays #1 lowest—no changes by early 2026. Fun fact: You could drive hours without seeing a soul!
TL;DR: Wyoming, at ~590K people, remains the least populated US state per latest 2025-2026 data.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.