California is the most populous state in the United States. It had an estimated population of about 39.36 million people as of July 1, 2025.
Texas and Florida rank second and third. Both states have experienced significant population growth in recent years.
The 10 Largest States by Population
| Rank |
State |
Estimated Population |
| 1 |
California |
39.36 million |
| 2 |
Texas |
31.71 million |
| 3 |
Florida |
23.46 million |
| 4 |
New York |
20.00 million |
| 5 |
Pennsylvania |
13.06 million |
| 6 |
Illinois |
12.72 million |
| 7 |
Ohio |
11.90 million |
| 8 |
Georgia |
11.30 million |
| 9 |
North Carolina |
11.20 million |
| 10 |
Michigan |
10.13 million |
Note: These are annual population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. They are not official decennial census counts. Estimates are revised when the Census Bureau releases a new data series.
Which State Has the Most People?
California has the largest population of any U.S. state. It had approximately 39.36 million residents as of July 1, 2025.
What Are the Five Most Populated States?
The five most populous states are:
Which States Have About 11 Million People?
Georgia and North Carolina each have slightly more than 11 million residents.
Ohio has about 11.9 million residents. Michigan has about 10.1 million.
Why population matters: Population growth can affect housing demand, traffic, moving costs and relocation activity. Fast-growing states may also experience greater demand for movers, rental trucks and storage services.