The United States is often split into different regions. An analysis of the State Similarity Index suggests that there are six distinct US regions. However, the lines between these regions can sometimes be somewhat blurry. Some states exhibit traits of more than one region.
Midwest / Northeast Regions
Pennsylvania has many characteristics of Midwestern states, in particular, the Great Lakes region. Their demographics, culture, politics, and infrastructure have many traits in common.
The Northeastern State Most Similar to the Midwest: Pennsylvania (70.4)
The Northeastern State Most Similar to the South: Pennsylvania (64.6)
The Northeastern State Most Similar to the West: Pennsylvania (58.9)
Midwest / South Regions
Due in large part to its culture and politics, Missouri with has a lot in common with Southern states. Its geography is also more similar to the South than any other Midwestern state.
The Midwestern State Most Similar to the South: Missouri (72.5)
The Midwestern State Most Similar to the Northeast: Illinois (69.0)
The Midwestern State Most Similar to the West: Kansas (64.8)
South / Midwest Regions
During the Civil War, Kentucky was one of the few Southern states that did not join the Confederacy. The state also resembles the Midwest in several other respects as well.
The Southern State Most Similar to the Midwest: Kentucky (69.8)
The Southern State Most Similar to the Northeast: Virginia (68.4)
The Southern State Most Similar to the West: Oklahoma (61.3)
West / Midwest Regions
Montana has several traits in common with the Midwest, in particular, the Great Plains region. Specifically, their demographics, infrastructure, and geography have some similarities.
The Western State Most Similar to the Midwest: Montana (67.1)
The Western State Most Similar to the Northeast: Washington (63.0)
The Western State Most Similar to the South: Arizona (60.7)
