2020 U.S. Census: Which State Had the Smallest Population?

Quiz challenge

Which state had the smallest population in the 2020 Census?

A Vermont B Alaska C North Dakota D Wyoming

Select an answer to continue.

Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau undertakes the monumental constitutional task of counting every resident across all fifty states and federal territories. The decennial census offers a detailed snapshot of national demographic shifts, tracking where Americans live, how communities are growing, and how seats in the U.S. House of Representatives should be distributed. While huge coastal states like California and Texas dominate headlines for their massive resident totals, smaller states highlight the remarkable geographic and human diversity of the nation. In the 2020 Census, the total resident population of the United States reached 331,449,281 people. Among all fifty states, population counts varied dramatically, ranging from nearly forty million residents at the top end down to under six hundred thousand at the lower extreme. Identifying which state holds the official distinction of having the smallest total population provides fascinating insight into American geography, rural living, and constitutional representation.

The correct answer

D) Wyoming

According to official results from the 2020 U.S. Census, Wyoming had the smallest resident population of any state, with a total count of 576,851 people.

Wyoming recorded an official resident population of 576,851 on Census Day, April 1, 2020. This total represented a modest increase of 2.3 percent, or 13,225 people, over its 2010 census figure of 563,626. Despite this mild growth over the decade, Wyoming remained firmly at the bottom of the state population rankings. Factors such as its high average elevation, vast mountain ranges, expansive high-desert plains, and energy-based economy contribute to a low population density spread over roughly 97,000 square miles. Because the U.S. Constitution guarantees every state at least one seat in the House of Representatives regardless of population size, Wyoming receives one representative alongside its two U.S. senators, giving its residents notable per-capita influence in federal electoral allocations.

Why each choice fits—or doesn’t

A) Vermont

Why it is not the answer: Option A is incorrect because Vermont was the second least populous state in the 2020 Census, with a total resident population of 643,077. Though Vermont is geographically much smaller than Wyoming, it has roughly 66,000 more residents.

B) Alaska

Why it is not the answer: Option B is incorrect because Alaska ranked as the third least populous state in 2020, recording 733,391 residents. Although Alaska is by far the largest state by land area, its resident total exceeds Wyoming by more than 150,000 people.

C) North Dakota

Why it is not the answer: Option C is incorrect because North Dakota had 779,094 residents in the 2020 Census, placing it fourth among the least populous states. North Dakota experienced notable growth driven by economic activity in the energy sector during the 2010s.

D) Wyoming

Correct choice: Option D is correct because Wyoming officially recorded 576,851 residents in the 2020 Census, making it the least populous state in the nation for another consecutive decennial count.

More context

Understanding state populations highlights key constitutional and economic dynamics across America. The primary reason for conducting a decennial census, as mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, is congressional apportionment. Every state gets at least one of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Because Wyoming's total population falls well below the average congressional district size of roughly 761,000 residents, its single district represents fewer people than districts in most other states. Interestingly, while Wyoming is the least populous state overall, Washington, D.C. recorded a 2020 resident population of 689,545, which is greater than both Wyoming and Vermont, despite the federal district lacking full voting representation in Congress. Demographic patterns in Wyoming are also shaped by its geography. Cheyenne, the capital and largest city, holds around 65,000 residents, while vast expanses of the state consist of national parks, national forests, and public rangeland managed by the federal government.

Quick facts

Wyoming recorded 576,851 residents in the 2020 Census, keeping its spot as the least populous U.S. state.
Vermont was the second least populous state in 2020, with a resident count of 643,077.
Every state receives a minimum of three electoral votes in presidential elections regardless of population size.
Despite having the smallest state population, Wyoming ranks as the tenth largest state by land area.

Sources

Wyoming Remains Nation's Least Populous State — U.S. Census Bureau Wyoming recorded a 2020 Census population of 576,851, making it the least populous state in the United States.
2020 Census Apportionment Results — U.S. Census Bureau Official resident population totals and congressional apportionment figures for all 50 states from the 2020 Census.
U.S. Census Data — USAGov General background on how decennial census data is collected, mandated by the Constitution, and used to apportion federal representation.