Determining the states most similar to the Great Lakes region 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.
According to the Index, Ohio is the most average state in the Great Lakes region, although it borders just one Great Lake, Lake Erie. Like many states in the region, Ohio has nearly the same percentage of Whites and Blacks as the national average. In addition, Ohio also has almost the same percentage of Protestants and Catholics as the average state. The Great Lakes region is hotly contested between Democrats and Republicans. Ohio is no exception. Its economy was once based on manufacturing, but it has declined significantly in recent years.
Iowa does not border the Great Lakes, but it does border three states considered to be part of the Great Lakes region. In addition, it borders two major waterways: the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. As a result, among states outside of the Great Lakes region, it is the most similar. Both Iowa and states in the Great Lakes region have vast stretches of farmland, but also have many factories as well. A sense of community is prevalent in both regions, with residents often prioritizing family and neighbors.
Hawaii has far different demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure and geography from the Great Lakes region. It has a much higher percentage of Asian people and a lower percentage of White people. In addition, the state’s people tend to be more liberal than what is typical in the Great Lakes. Hawaii is much more mountainous than the region and has a lower percentage of farmland. Its climate is much hotter than the Midwest’s since it is so far south. Due to its isolation in the Pacific Ocean, few goods are manufactured in Hawaii.
What about NY? It has two Great Lakes.