Top 5 Largest States in the USA by Land Area

Jul 7, 2025, 09:08 EDT

This lists the five largest states in the U.S. by total area, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Alaska is the largest, followed by Texas, California, Montana, and New Mexico. The document provides a brief description of each state, highlighting its key geographical features and characteristics. It notes that the United States is the fourth-largest country in the world by total area, and there is significant variation in state sizes.

Top 5 Largest States in the USA by Land Area
Top 5 Largest States in the USA by Land Area

The United States is a vast nation, covering an area of nearly 3.8 million square miles (9.84 million square kilometers), making it the fourth-largest country in the world by total area. Within its 50 states, there is wide variation in size, from the sprawling wilderness of Alaska to the compact urban landscape of Rhode Island.

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List of the 5 Largest States in the U.S by Land Area

Here’s a look at the Top 5 Largest U.S. States by Land Area, based on official data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

State

Total Area (square miles)

Total Area (square km)

Alaska

665,384

1,723,337

Texas

268,596

695,662

California

163,695

423,967

Montana

147,040

380,831

New Mexico

121,590

314,917

1. Alaska

By far the largest state in the U.S., Alaska dwarfs all others in size. It’s more than twice as large as Texas and covers more area than the 22 smallest U.S. states combined. Known for its breathtaking wilderness, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Alaska is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

2. Texas

Nicknamed the “Lone Star State,” Texas ranks second in size and is the largest state in the contiguous U.S. Its diverse geography includes deserts, forests, mountains, and coastal plains. Texas also boasts major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, blending natural beauty with urban development.

3. California

California, the most populous state in the country, also ranks third in size. From the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Pacific Coast and the Mojave Desert, California offers a wide range of natural landscapes. It plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, being home to Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

4. Montana

Known as “Big Sky Country,” Montana is the fourth-largest state by area. With its vast plains, rugged mountains, and national parks like Glacier National Park, Montana remains one of the least densely populated states, offering peace and pristine natural beauty.

5. New Mexico

Rounding out the top five is New Mexico, rich in desert landscapes, Native American culture, and Spanish colonial heritage. Its diverse geography ranges from flat plains to rugged mountains, attracting both artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Conclusion

While Alaska remains unmatched in size, each of the top five largest states showcases unique natural features and cultural identities. From the icy expanse of Alaska to the sun-soaked deserts of New Mexico, the diversity in the landscape across these states is a testament to the vastness and variety of the United States.

Sneha Singh
Sneha Singh

Content Writer

    Sneha Singh is a US News Content Writer at Jagran Josh, covering major developments in international policies and global affairs. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow Campus. With over six months of experience as a Sub Editor at News24 Digital, Sneha brings sharp news judgment, SEO expertise and a passion for impactful storytelling.

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    FAQs

    • What makes New Mexico unique among the top five largest states?
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      New Mexico is unique for its rich desert landscapes, Native American culture, and Spanish colonial heritage, with a diverse geography ranging from flat plains to rugged mountains.
    •  Is California the most populous state in the U.S. and one of the largest by area?
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      Yes, California is the most populous state and also ranks third in size by land area.
    • Which U.S. state is the largest by land area?
      +
      Alaska is by far the largest state in the U.S. by land area, covering 665,384 square miles.

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