Most Popular States 2025
State | State's Percentage of Total Overseas Visitors to US in 2023↓ | Numerical Population Growth (2023-2024) | Percentage Population Growth (2023-2024) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | New York | 28.8% | 129,881 | 0.66% |
 | Florida | 25.2% | 467,347 | 2.04% |
 | California | 19.9% | 232,570 | 0.59% |
 | Nevada | 6.8% | 53,104 | 1.65% |
 | Texas | 6% | 562,941 | 1.83% |
 | Hawaii | 5.3% | 4,759 | 0.33% |
 | Illinois | 4.7% | 67,899 | 0.54% |
 | Massachusetts | 4% | 69,603 | 0.98% |
 | New Jersey | 3.3% | 121,209 | 1.29% |
 | Arizona | 3% | 109,357 | 1.46% |
 | Georgia | 2.9% | 116,446 | 1.05% |
 | Pennsylvania | 2.7% | 61,030 | 0.47% |
 | Washington | 2.1% | 100,860 | 1.28% |
 | Utah | 1.8% | 60,391 | 1.75% |
 | Virginia | 1.6% | 76,510 | 0.88% |
 | Colorado | 1.5% | 56,154 | 0.95% |
 | North Carolina | 1.5% | 164,835 | 1.51% |
 | Tennessee | 1.4% | 79,446 | 1.11% |
 | Michigan | 1.2% | 57,103 | 0.57% |
 | Ohio | 1.1% | 59,270 | 0.5% |
 | Louisiana | 1% | 9,669 | 0.21% |
 | Maryland | 1% | 46,158 | 0.74% |
 | Connecticut | 0.9% | 32,046 | 0.88% |
 | Indiana | 0.7% | 44,144 | 0.64% |
 | Minnesota | 0.7% | 40,103 | 0.7% |
 | South Carolina | 0.7% | 91,001 | 1.69% |
 | Wisconsin | 0.7% | 30,570 | 0.52% |
 | Oregon | 0.6% | 18,718 | 0.44% |
 | Missouri | 0.5% | 37,428 | 0.6% |
 | Maine | 0.4% | 5,366 | 0.38% |
 | Wyoming | 0.4% | 2,551 | 0.44% |
 | Alaska | 0.3% | 3,623 | 0.49% |
 | Kansas | 0.3% | 19,106 | 0.65% |
 | Kentucky | 0.3% | 37,777 | 0.83% |
 | New Hampshire | 0.3% | 6,833 | 0.49% |
 | New Mexico | 0.3% | 9,092 | 0.43% |
 | Rhode Island | 0.3% | 8,879 | 0.8% |
 | Arkansas | 0.2% | 18,891 | 0.62% |
 | Delaware | 0.2% | 15,494 | 1.49% |
 | Idaho | 0.2% | 30,497 | 1.55% |
 | Iowa | 0.2% | 23,074 | 0.72% |
 | Montana | 0.2% | 5,931 | 0.52% |
 | Nebraska | 0.2% | 17,601 | 0.89% |
 | Oklahoma | 0.2% | 31,511 | 0.78% |
 | South Dakota | 0.2% | 6,364 | 0.69% |
 | Mississippi | 0.1% | -127 | |
 | North Dakota | 0.1% | 7,521 | 0.95% |
 | Vermont | 0.1% | -215 | -0.03% |
 | West Virginia | 0.1% | -516 | -0.03% |
 | Alabama | 40,026 | 0.78% | |
 | District of Columbia | 14,926 | 2.17% |
- The concept of popularity may be measured using a myriad of possible metrics. Two options, population growth and the share of tourists the state attracts, are displayed below. Use of different metrics may result in a different popularity ranking for many states.
While one’s favorite state or choice of home state is a matter of personal preference, some states are just more popular than others for a variety of reasons. This can be seen in the fastest-growing states and the most visited by travelers. Factors that set some states apart from others can include their quality of healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment. Some states are also considered to be more beautiful, more friendly, and even more fun than other states.
1. New York
New York, specifically New York City, is well known for its culture, history, entertainment, art, music, and sports. Those looking for history can see the Statue of Liberty. This is what makes it the most visited state. For fans of entertainment, there are multiple Broadway theaters while Madison Square Garden hosts sports games and concerts. The city is also full of some of the world’s best dining experiences.
2. Florida
Florida is the second most visited state by foreign travelers. There’s a lot to do in Florida. There are a variety of beautiful beaches for people to visit. Florida is also well known for its amusement parks, most notably Walt Disney World. The state also has consistent warm weather for most of the year and plenty of sunshine, warranting plenty of outdoor activities like beach trips, boating, and fishing.
3. California
California is one of the most beautiful states in the country. It has beautiful beaches, many mountains for skiing, plus national parks for hiking. Additionally, tourists flock to Los Angeles to see Hollywood with the hopes of spotting their favorite celebrities. Travelers also head slightly further north to see San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
4. Hawaii
Hawaii is the country’s piece of paradise. Who wouldn’t want to have a tropical getaway? Hawaii’s islands have pristine beaches, incredible volcanoes, and a beautiful culture that welcomes visitors. Hawaii is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers.
5. Nevada
Nevada is the fifth-most visited state by foreign travelers in the United States. Aside from the Mojave Desert, Nevada is home to Las Vegas. This city is perfect for those looking to gamble and immerse themselves in the wild nightlife. Las Vegas also has several one-of-a-kind shows, including music, comedy, and acrobatics. Las Vegas is also a hotspot for travelers looking for shopping.
Fastest-Growing States
State | State's Percentage of Total Overseas Visitors to US in 2023 |
|---|---|
| New York | 28.8% |
| Florida | 25.2% |
| California | 19.9% |
| Nevada | 6.8% |
| Texas | 6% |
| Hawaii | 5.3% |
| Illinois | 4.7% |
| Massachusetts | 4% |
| New Jersey | 3.3% |
| Arizona | 3% |
Another way to determine which states are the most popular is to look at their growth rates. If more and more people are moving to a state, there must be something special about it. The ten fastest-growing states in the United States, and their 2021 growth rates, are Utah (1.70%), Idaho (1.61%), Texas (1.49%), North Dakota (1.48%), Nevada (1.40%), Colorado (1.39%), Florida (1.37%), Washington (1.37%), Arizona (1.13%), and South Carolina (1.02%).
With the exception of a few states, such as Utah, the increase in population is a result of migration rather than because of high birth rates. These states are growing quickly because of favorable weather conditions, beautiful natural environments, good job markets, relatively low living costs, and various entertainment options. The rapid increase in population will cause real estate and rental prices across the state to increase and can lead to more traffic, pollution, and overall higher population densities, especially in urban areas.
Sources
- State Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024 - US Census Bureau
- Most Popular U.S. States and Cities Among International Tourists - International Trade Administration
- The Most Visited States In The United States - Vivid Maps
- Southern states grew fastest in 2022, Census data shows - The Hill
- Growth in U.S. Population Shows Early Indication of Recovery Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - United States Census Bureau
- List of U.S. states and territories by population - Wiki
