The Most Popular State in the Midwest, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the state you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:50
Determining which state stands out in the Midwest often stirs up vibrant discussions among enthusiasts. Everyone has an opinion, whether it's based on scenic beauty, cultural richness, or economic opportunities. Creating a ranked listing where individuals can cast their votes helps establish a clearer picture of general preferences and popularity.
Such a ranking not only satisfies curiosity but also aids those contemplating relocation, travel, or investment in the region. By participating, users contribute to a broader understanding, making the rankings more reflective of current opinions and trends. This dynamic insight then assists others in making informed decisions about where they might want to focus their attention in the Midwest.
What Is the Most Popular State in the Midwest?
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124votesWith a population of over 12 million, Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest. It is home to Chicago, one of the largest cities in the country, and has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.Illinois is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its vibrant cities, diverse population, and rich cultural history. The state is home to the iconic city of Chicago, which is renowned for its architecture, arts scene, and bustling downtown area. Outside of Chicago, Illinois offers diverse landscapes encompassing fertile farmlands, rolling hills, and beautiful shoreline along Lake Michigan.
- Capital: Springfield
- Largest City: Chicago
- Population: approximately 12.7 million
- Area: 57,915 square miles
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6)
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224votesOhio is the seventh most populous state in the country and is known for its manufacturing industry, including steel and automotive production. It is also home to several major universities, including Ohio State University.Ohio is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its thriving lacrosse community and is considered one of the most popular states for playing lacrosse.
- Lacrosse Associations: Ohio has various lacrosse associations that organize leagues, tournaments, and events.
- High School Lacrosse: Ohio has a strong high school lacrosse scene with many competitive teams and talented players.
- College Lacrosse: Ohio is home to several colleges and universities that have lacrosse programs, offering opportunities for players at the collegiate level.
- Club Lacrosse: Ohio has numerous club lacrosse teams that provide additional playing opportunities and training for players of all ages.
- Lacrosse Facilities: Ohio boasts excellent lacrosse facilities, including dedicated fields, stadiums, and indoor arenas.
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322votesWith a population of over 10 million, Michigan is the tenth most populous state in the country. It is known for its automotive industry, as well as its natural beauty, including the Great Lakes and Mackinac Island.
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422votesMinnesota is known for its natural beauty, including its numerous lakes and forests, as well as its thriving economy, which includes healthcare, technology, and agriculture. It is the 22nd most populous state in the country.Minnesota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful nature, including lakes, forests, and prairies, as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
- Nickname: The North Star State
- Capital: Saint Paul
- Largest City: Minneapolis
- Area: 86,935 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5.7 million
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527votesIndiana is the 17th most populous state in the country and is known for its manufacturing industry, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. It is also home to several major universities, including Purdue and Indiana University.Indiana is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including farmland, forests, and rolling hills. The state is also home to several major cities, such as Indianapolis, the state capital, and the cultural hub of Bloomington.
- Statehood: December 11, 1816
- Area: 36,418 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6.7 million
- Largest City: Indianapolis
- State Capital: Indianapolis
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613votesWisconsin is known for its dairy industry, as well as its natural beauty, including its many lakes and forests. It is also home to several major universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Wisconsin is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers. With a population of over 5.8 million people, it is the 23rd most populous state in the country. Wisconsin is often referred to as the 'Badger State' and its capital is Madison. The state offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing. Additionally, Wisconsin is famous for its dairy industry, particularly cheese production.
- Population: 5.8 million
- Nickname: Badger State
- Capital: Madison
- Landscape: Forests, lakes, rivers
- Outdoor Activities: Boating, fishing, hiking, skiing
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713votesMissouri is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. It is also home to several major cities, including St. Louis and Kansas City.Missouri is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, including rolling hills, forests, and the renowned Ozark Mountains. The state is also home to the majestic Mississippi River, which borders its eastern side. Missouri has a rich history, being the birthplace of the famous Pony Express and the popular city of St. Louis.
- Capital: Jefferson City
- Largest City: Kansas City
- Population: around 6.1 million
- Area: approximately 180,560 square kilometers
- Nickname: The Show-Me State
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87votesIowa is known for its agriculture industry, particularly its corn and soybean production. It is also home to several major universities, including the University of Iowa.Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its agricultural production, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities. The state takes pride in its rich history, cultural heritage, and strong work ethic of its residents.
- Nickname: Hawkeye State
- Capital: Des Moines
- Largest City: Des Moines
- Population: Approximately 3.2 million
- Area: Approximately 56,272 square miles
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95votesKansas is known for its agriculture industry, particularly its wheat production. It is also home to several major universities, including the University of Kansas.Kansas is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its sprawling plains, vibrant agriculture, and rich Native American history. The state was named after the Kansas River, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe.
- Capital: Topeka
- Largest City: Wichita
- Population: Approximately 2.9 million
- Area: 82,278 square miles
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (GMT -6)
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102votesNebraska is known for its agriculture industry, particularly its beef production. It is also home to several major universities, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Nebraska is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its vast grasslands, agricultural heritage, and friendly communities. The state offers a diverse landscape, with rolling plains, sand dunes, and picturesque rivers. Nebraska is often referred to as the 'Cornhusker State' due to its prominent role in corn production.
- Nickname: Cornhusker State
- Capital: Lincoln
- Largest City: Omaha
- Population: Approximately 1.9 million
- Area: 77,358 square miles
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Ranking factors for popular state
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PopulationLarger states with more people will likely have a higher population density and will attract more visitors and attention.
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Tourist attractionsStates that have popular tourist attractions, such as theme parks, national parks, historic sites, and cultural events, are likely to be more popular.
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Natural resourcesStates with abundant natural resources, such as lakes, beaches, mountains, and forests, often attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Economic factorsStates with strong economies and job opportunities are likely to attract more residents and visitors.
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Quality of lifeStates that offer a high quality of life, such as good schools, low crime rates, and affordable housing, tend to be more attractive to potential residents.
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Cultural diversityStates that have a diverse population and offer vibrant arts and cultural experiences, including cuisine, festivals and music, may also be more popular.
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Accessibility and infrastructureStates with good transportation and infrastructure, as well as easy access to major cities and airports, might be more popular for both visitors and residents.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular state in the Midwest. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or State is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2377 views
- 146 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each State once every 24 hours. The rank of each State is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular state in the midwest
The Midwest region of the United States is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities. This region encompasses 12 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Each state has its unique characteristics, ranging from bustling cities to serene countryside, making it a popular destination for travelers and residents alike.
However, when it comes to determining the most popular state in the Midwest, opinions can vary greatly. Factors such as population, economic growth, cultural attractions, and natural resources all play a role in determining which state is the most beloved. At StrawPoll, we have compiled data from thousands of user-generated polls and rankings to help answer this question. So, which state will come out on top? Stay tuned to find out!
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