Determining the states most similar to the Northeast 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, Connecticut is the most average state in the Northeast region. It 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.
Despite not bordering any Northeastern states, Illinois shares significant similarities with the region, largely due to Chicago’s metropolitan area. Its diversity makes Illinois the most racially and ethnically varied Midwestern state, akin to Northeastern states with substantial African American and Hispanic populations. Politically, Illinois leans liberal, aligning with the Northeast, with strong Democratic Party influence, progressive policies, union-friendly stances, and stricter gun control measures. Infrastructure-wise, Illinois, particularly Chicago, resembles the Northeast in its developed public transportation, emphasis on healthcare and education, robust internet connectivity, and lower percentages of single-family homes, with older infrastructure compared to other Midwestern states.
Wyoming is the least similar state to the Northeast region, according to the Index. Wyoming is the least densely populated state, after Alaska. It is also landlocked and its climate is much drier than the Northeast’s. Its infrastructure is also quite different as well. Almost all of its electricity is created by coal power plants, while Northwestern states typically use gas and nuclear energy. Wyoming also uses the most electricity per capita of any state, due to a high amount of mining. It has a far higher percentage of gun owners and hunters as well. Furthermore, Wyoming’s population is not nearly as diverse as the Northeast’s. In addition, the state is much more conservative and has far more Republicans than Democrats in its government. Wyoming also has no income tax, unlike states in the Northeast.
