The United States is often split into different regions. However, the lines between these regions can sometimes be blurry. Some states exhibit traits of two different regions.
Determining the Northeastern state most similar to the Midwest requires considering a variety of different factors. One way to answer this complex question is by analyzing the data from the State Similarity Index. The index attempts to quantify how similar American states are to each other relative to other states, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
An analysis of the data shows that Pennsylvania is by far the most similar state in the Northeast region to the Midwest. On the other end of the spectrum, the data shows that Massachusetts is the least similar.
(Midwestern states defined as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
Pennsylvania has many characteristics of Midwestern states, in particular, the Great Lakes region. Their demographics, culture, politics, and infrastructure have many traits in common. However, one big difference is that Pennsylvania is much more mountainous and forested than any of the states in the Midwest, since the Appalachian Mountains runs through them.
Demographics
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Pennsylvania had been a large source of the migration to the Midwest, as its residents sought more fertile lands. Unlike most other states in the Northeast, Pennsylvania has a significant population with German ancestry. The Midwest has the highest percentage of people with German heritage in any region of the United States.
Pennsylvania has lower percentage of college graduates compared to the majority of Northeastern states, so its education levels align more closely with the levels in the Midwest. Additionally, the state’s populace tends to have comparatively lower income levels when compared to the majority of Northeastern states.
Culture
Compared to some other Northeastern states, like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, Pennsylvania has a lower percentage of Catholics . Therefore, it more closely aligns with the Midwest. Especially in its more rural areas, its people also tend to be more religious and evangelical, which is a characteristic more associated with the Midwest.
Pennsylvania has a significant hunting and outdoor culture, so it has a relatively high rate of gun ownership, surpassing the levels in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Pennsylvania also has a strong football culture. Penn State University is part of the Big Ten Conference, which is comprised of large universities primarily located in the Midwest.
Politics
Like many Midwestern states, Pennsylvania is relatively moderate politically. In the last few decades, it has elected a mix of Democratic and Republican representatives. It has a history of being a swing state, having voted for both Donald Trump and Joe Biden in previous elections. Since the 1990’s, the state has had many senators from both political parties too.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is one of the lowest in the Northeast region, so its policies align more with the Midwest. Most states in the Northeast region have legalized marijuana, unlike Pennsylvania and several Midwestern states. Furthermore, Pennsylvania and Midwestern states tend to have more restrictions on abortion than typical states in the Northeast region.
Infrastructure
Pennsylvania and other states in the Great Lakes region are part of the Rust Belt. This region has a lot of manufacturing and industry, playing a key role steel production, automotive manufacturing, and various other industries of the United States. However, automation has reduced the demand for traditional manufacturing, leading to job losses in the region.
Both Pennsylvania and the Midwest are known for their extensive transportation networks, including highways, railways, and waterways. These networks are crucial for facilitating the movement of goods. Pennsylvania’s location as a transportation hub, with major highways and railways passing through the state, is a common feature of the Midwest as well.
