The State Similarity Index attempts to quantify how similar US states are to each other relative to each other. The index is a statistically-based way to measure this. It weighs equally five major aspects of states: their demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography. The methodology is exactly the same for each state.
The data from the State Similarity Index was used to cluster states into different regions by average linkage. This resulted in 6 distinct macro-regions:
- The Northeast
- The South
- The Midwest
- The West
- Alaska
- Hawaii
The most average state in each macro-region was computed from the data.
- The Northeast – Connecticut (79.9)
- The South - Alabama (79.1)
- The Midwest – Wisconsin (78.7)
- The West – Colorado (74.6)
- Alaska
- Hawaii
Connecticut
The Northeast region
Connecticut is situated in the heart of the Northeast, making it a central state within the region. Its proximity to major cities like New York City and Boston contributes to its representation of the urban characteristics of the Northeast. On the other hand, it is more rural than these two states, so it also has a lot in common with less densely populated states in the region, like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The state is less racially diverse than New York and New Jersey, but more racially diverse than the region’s most rural states. While not as prominent as some other states in the region, Connecticut’s maritime infrastructure contributes to the broader connectivity and trade activities in the Northeast.
Alabama
The Southern region
Alabama is centrally located within the Southern region. Its position in the Deep South allows it to share characteristics with both the Gulf Coast states and those further inland. The state borders the Atlantic Ocean, but it has relatively little coastline. Alabama’s demographics, including its racial composition, median age, and education level, is representative of most Southern states. Montgomery, Alabama served as the first capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. All states in the Southern region once practiced slavery and racial segregation. Like Alabama, these states tend to heavily favor the Republican party. The states economic mix is reflective of the Southern region as a whole.
Wisconsin
The Midwest region
Wisconsin is centrally located within the Midwest region, making it a state that shares characteristics with both the western and eastern parts of the Midwest. Wisconsin has a strong agricultural tradition, which is a common characteristic of many Midwest states. The state’s farming practices, including dairy farming, align with the broader agricultural landscape of the Midwest. Wisconsin also has a significant manufacturing sector, particularly in industries like machinery, food processing, and paper production, so it is part of the Rust Belt. Wisconsin’s demographics, including its median age, racial composition, and education level mirror the Midwest as a whole.
Colorado
The Western region
Colorado encompasses a diverse range of geographical features, including the Rocky Mountains, high plains, and desert areas. This diversity reflects the broader landscape of the Western region. The state is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The emphasis on outdoor activities aligns with the Western region’s reputation. Colorado’s political landscape has evolved over time. While the state was historically a swing state, it has leaned more Democratic in recent elections. The urban areas tend to be more liberal, while rural areas lean conservative. This is representative of the region as a whole, since it has some very liberal and very conservative states.
