What is the Most Popular Book Genre in 2025 in Each U.S. State? Check Top 10 List

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island” is a beautiful quote by Walt Disney. Books are humans' best friends, providing limitless knowledge, inspiration, and an escape from reality. 

So, here is a question for you: which category do you prefer, fictional or non-fictional? If you are a fiction lover, then you must have finished reading amazing genres like romance, history, poetry, family, and more. 

Do you know Cloudwards, a software and security comparison service website, that tracked Google Trends data between March 2024 and 2025 to determine what book genre residents in each U.S. state searched for the most?

In this article, we’ll take a look at detailed findings from Cloudwards’ analysis, exploring the most sought-after book genres in each state, the factors that may have contributed to these trends, and what they reveal about regional literary preferences.

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Which is the Most Popular Book Genre in Each U.S. State?

According to the provided data, it was observed that romance is the most popular book genre, especially in the southern U.S., showing that people still love a good story with a happy ending. 

Fiction comes in second, which makes sense because it's a very broad category. Surprisingly, poetry is quite popular, topping the list in nine states, proving it's still enjoyed by many Americans. 

Fantasy books are also gaining popularity, being the top choice in six states, particularly where there are universities and tech companies, suggesting a link between new ideas and imaginative stories. 

Family-themed books are number one in Iowa, Mississippi, and South Carolina, highlighting these states' shared love for stories about family. Finally, mystery and history each lead in one state, offering a glimpse into those areas' unique tastes in literature.

Source: Cloudwards

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What Are the Top 10 Book Genres in 2025?

Based on Cloudwards, these are the top 10 book genres and the number of states where they are most popular.

#1. Romance

When compiling the complete data, it was seen that Americans really love Romance novels, with 22 states making them their top pick. This "romance belt" stretches across the country, from Virginia to Oregon, and is especially strong in southern states like Georgia and Florida. 

People might love romance because it's easy to connect with, usually has happy endings, and romance readers often read a lot of books. Famous romance authors include Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks.

#2. Fiction

General fiction is also very popular, coming in second place as the favourite in nine states. These states are spread out, from Alabama in the South to North Dakota in the plains. This shows that fiction, which includes all sorts of stories from science fiction to historical tales, appeals to many different people. Well-known American fiction writers include Toni Morrison, John Steinbeck, and Ernest Hemingway.

#3. Poetry

Surprisingly, Poetry is the top genre in nine states, including Alaska, Maine, and Pennsylvania. This goes against the idea that poetry isn't popular anymore. This might be due to the rise of Instagram poets, spoken word performances, or poetry being used to express social and political ideas.

#4. Fantasy

Fantasy literature is a big hit in six states, including Michigan, Texas, and Washington. These states often have major universities or tech companies, suggesting that places focused on innovation also enjoy imaginative stories. Fantasy's popularity might be because it lets people escape into new worlds and explore complex ideas. Authors like Ursula K. Le Guin and Brandon Sanderson are popular in this genre, along with George R.R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame.

#5. Family-themed Stories

Family-themed literature is the most popular in three states: Iowa, Mississippi, and South Carolina. These states are known for strong community and traditional values, so it makes sense they'd enjoy stories about family, heritage, and relationships. Classics like Little Women and Charlotte's Web are examples of popular family literature.

#6. Mystery and History

Mystery and suspense books are most popular in only one state: California. This might be because California is linked to Hollywood noir and has been the setting for many detective stories. Famous mystery authors include Edgar Allan Poe and James Patterson.

#7. Historical literature

Historical literature is also the top choice in just one state: Massachusetts. This makes perfect sense given Massachusetts' rich history, from Plymouth Rock to the American Revolution. The state's many universities and strong publishing industry likely contribute to this preference for historical narratives. David McCullough and Nathaniel Philbrick are notable historical authors.

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Conclusion

Summing up, America's reading habits show interesting regional differences. The Northeast have a wide variety of favourite genres, while the Midwest leans more towards romance. 

The South enjoys a mix of romance, fiction, and family stories. Western states have the most diverse tastes, with romance, fiction, poetry, and fantasy all being popular. 

Coastal states tend to have more varied preferences, while states further inland prefer romance and general fiction. These differences are likely shaped by factors like education, culture, and even climate.

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