Determining the states most similar to the average of the six regions of the United States requires considering various social, cultural, economic, and political 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 states are to each other relative to other states, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
In general, these states have traits in common with many regions of the country and are not far different from any particular region. These states do not have extreme demographic characteristics, cultural practices, politics, infrastructure, or especially unique geographical features.
1) Wisconsin
In some ways, Wisconsin is indeed a microcosm of the United States, blending elements of various regions. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay offer a glimpse into urban life, similar to cities in the Rust Belt or Great Lakes region. However, much of Wisconsin’s landscape is characterized by farms and small towns, reflecting the rural Midwest. Traditionally, Wisconsin has been a swing state, reflecting the political divide between urban and rural areas seen nationwide. The state has a diverse mix of farmlands and forested lands.
2) Washington
Washington has elements of many regions of the United States. Seattle and its surrounding areas mirror the fast-paced, progressive culture often associated with coastal cities like New York or San Francisco. Eastern Washington shares similarities with the Midwest, with a more agricultural and conservative population. The Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Mountains provide a rugged, mountainous terrain similar to states in the Rocky Mountain region. Eastern Washington’s vast farmlands resemble the agricultural heartland of the Midwest.
3) Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has traits of many areas of the country, especially he Midwest and the Northeast regions. Due to its central location among the 13 original colonies, it is nicknamed the Keystone State. Pennsylvania’s legislature is closely divided between Democrats and Republicans. The state has a temperate climate gets about the same amount of rainfall as the US overall. Pennsylvania’s terrain is quite mountainous, but its highest peaks are not nearly as tall as states in the Western US.
4) Ohio
According to the data, Ohio is the most average state in the United States, if states are weighted by their population. It is also the most average state in the Midwest, which is the most average region of the country. The state is often used as a test market for consumer products. Ohio has nearly the same percentage of Whites and Blacks as the national average. Ohio ranks 24 on the amount of energy consumed per capita. The Appalachian Mountains run through the Southeast portion of Ohio, but the rest of the state is fairly flat.
5) Michigan
Four of the five most average states border the Great Lakes, so it is not surprising that the data shows Michigan is one of the most average states as well. While Michigan is 18% Catholic, the overall country is 21% Catholic. 63% of its people believe in God, the same as the national average. 25% are Evangelical Christians. This is also similar to the overall nation. Although Michigan tends to favor Democratic candidates in presidential elections, its legislature is closely divided between Democrats and Republicans.