Determining the states most similar to the Southwest 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, Arizona is the most average state in the Southwest region. It has a unique mix of desert, mountains, and forests, reflecting the diversity of the Southwest. Arizona is located in between Nevada and New Mexico, the two other states in the region. Arizona has a rich blend of Native American, Latino, and Anglo cultures, typical of the Southwest. The state’s economy is diversified, with industries ranging from technology to agriculture, tourism, and mining.
Outside of the three states in the Southwest region: Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, Colorado has the most traits in common with the Southwest. Colorado’s geography includes deserts, high plains, and mountainous regions, similar to the landscapes found in the Southwest. Denver has grown in a way that resembles the urbanization patterns seen in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with sprawling suburbs and a reliance on automobiles. Colorado has experienced significant population growth due to migration, like the rest of the region.
The data shows that Massachusetts is the least similar state to the Southwest region. It has a temperate climate with four seasons, including cold, snowy winters and humid summers. This is in sharp contrast to the arid and semi-arid climates of the Southwest. It has a lot of coastline, but all the states in the Southeast region are landlocked. Massachusetts was one of the original 13 colonies. In contrast, the Southwest’s history is shaped by Spanish colonization and Native American cultures. Also, its people tend to be wealthier and more educated.