There are some unique pairs of states that are similar, except that their demographics are quite different. A list of these states was developed by analyzing the data from the State Similarity Index, which weighs equally five major aspects of states: their demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography. The following three pairs of states were found to have a biggest difference between their demographics and their other aspects, including culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
COLORADO-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico is the state with the highest percentage of Latinos. It also has many Native American people as well. In contrast, the majority of people in Colorado are White. Another big difference between these states is their education. Around 44% of people in Colorado have a college degree, one of the highest rates in the country. In contrast, just 30% of New Mexico’s population has a degree. Furthermore, Colorado has a far lower poverty rate and its people tend to have larger incomes as well. Another difference is that New Mexico has a lower percentage of married people.
However, other than their demographics, these states are in many ways alike. Colorado and New Mexico are in the same time zone. They are also both landlocked and their climates are alike. Most of the land in these sparsely populated states is used for grazing livestock. The Rocky Mountains run through both states, so they are quite mountainous. Mining precious minerals is a common industry in these states.
Furthermore, these states are similar politically. Both Colorado and New Mexico tend to lean Democratic in their political preferences. In recent years, they have consistently voted for Democratic presidential candidates and have predominantly elected Democrats to statewide offices. Both states have few restrictions on abortion or firearms. In addition, the recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in Colorado and New Mexico as well. They also have friendly policies for undocumented immigrants.
MASSACHUSETTS-MAINE
Massachusetts has a sizable portion non-white residents, including sizable African American, Asian American, and Hispanic or Latino populations. In contrast, Maine is one of the Whitest states in the country, with relatively few immigrants. Furthermore, the majority of people in Massachusetts are Catholic, while Maine is mostly Protestant. Another difference is their level of education. Massachusetts is the most educated state in the nation. On the other hand, the percentage of college graduates in Maine is close to the national average. Massachusetts is wealthier as well.
Still, these New England states have a lot in common despite these demographic differences. In fact, Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820. Neither state is especially religious. They have many atheists and agnostics. The native residents of Maine and Massachusetts tend to have a similar accent as well. Their people drink more alcohol than the national average. They also have low homicide and incarceration rates. In addition, ice hockey is especially popular in these states.
Maine and Massachusetts have a lot of coastline located along the Atlantic Ocean. The Appalachian Mountains run through both states so their terrain is quite hilly. The land in both states is highly forested, however Massachusetts has a much higher population density. These states have a similar climate as well. Both Maine and Massachusetts have cold winters and typically get significant snowfall.
CALIFORNIA-OREGON
California has a high level of ethnic and racial diversity. The largest Latino population in the country, as well as significant numbers of Asians and Blacks. In contrast, Oregon has a more homogenous population, with a much higher proportion of White residents. Furthermore, a much higher portion of Californians are Catholic. Another difference is that California has a lower percentage of married people and a lower percentage of divorced people.
Other than their differences in demographics, these Pacific Coast states have many characteristics in common. Both states are known to have relaxed and creative people. They also share a love for doing recreational activities in the outdoors, such as hiking and surfing. Their native residents tend to have a similar accent as well. In addition, these states have several universities in the Pac-12 Conference. Furthermore, both states have many union members.
Both Oregon and California are known for being politically progressive and have a history of voting for Democratic candidates. They have a tradition of civic engagement and citizen participation. They often see robust grassroots activism, community organizing, and public involvement in political and social issues. Both states allow the recreational use of marijuana. They also have banned smoking in public places. In addition, these states have banned corporal punishment in schools and suspended the death penalty.
DATA TABLE
| State 1 | State 2 | Demo. | Cult. | Poli. | Infra. | Geo. | Total | Demo. – Total Ave. |
| New Mexico | Colorado | 12.8 | 12.6 | 14.9 | 15.5 | 16.3 | 72.1 | -1.6 |
| Maine | Massachusetts | 13.0 | 15.2 | 14.8 | 12.9 | 16.7 | 72.6 | -1.5 |
| Maine | Connecticut | 13.3 | 14.3 | 15.6 | 13.7 | 15.9 | 72.9 | -1.3 |
| Oregon | California | 13.9 | 13.9 | 15.7 | 15.6 | 15.2 | 74.2 | -0.9 |
| Rhode Island | Maryland | 14.0 | 12.5 | 15.1 | 14.9 | 16.2 | 72.7 | -0.5 |
(Minimum 72% Overall Similarity)
