Determining the states most similar to the South 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, Alabama is the most average state in the South. It 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.
Missouri shares many cultural, political, and geographical traits with Southern states. Historically, it was the only Midwestern state to have allowed slavery and had racially segregated schools by law, banning interracial marriage until 1967. It is the most religious state in the Midwest, with a high percentage of Protestants. It also has the highest homicide rate in the region, mirroring the South. Particularly the Ozarks, has accents, speech patterns, and cultural traditions, like country music, that align with Southern customs. Politically, Missouri is conservative, having not elected a Democratic presidential candidate in over 20 years. The state has restrictive abortion laws and few gun restrictions, like most Southern states. Missouri is also the southernmost point in the Midwest, giving it a warmer climate.
Hawaii has far different demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure and geography from the South. Hawaii was the last state to become part of the US, while some Southern states were part of the 13 colonies. It has a much higher percentage of Asian people and a lower percentage of White and Black people. Interestingly enough, Hawaii has the highest percentage of Buddhists in the United States. Hawaii is also one of the most liberal states and in recent years almost always votes for Democrats. States in the South prohibited interracial marriage up until the Supreme Court’s 1967 decision, while Hawaii never had laws prohibiting it. Hawaii’s economy relies heavily on tourism, while the South relies more on agriculture and manufacturing. Unlike the South, none of its goods are carried by freight trains.
Only some states have score rankings, but not all of them. How are the other states ranked not listed on there? I can see the colors but not the numbers.