Determining the states most similar to the West 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, Colorado is the most average state in the West region. The state encompasses a diverse range of geographical features, including the Rocky Mountains, high plains, and desert areas. This diversity reflects the broader landscape of the West region. The state is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The emphasis on outdoor activities aligns with the Western region’s reputation. Colorado’s political landscape has evolved over time. While the state was historically a swing state, it has leaned more Democratic in recent elections. The urban areas tend to be more liberal, while rural areas lean conservative. This is representative of the region as a whole, since it has some very liberal and very conservative states.
Among states outside of the West region, Kansas shares several similarities. The state has an aging rural population, and lower population densities, much like certain western states. Its infrastructure is also more aligned with the West, featuring a significant network of interstate highways, high truck traffic, extensive freight movement, and strategic connectivity through railroads and airports, making it a key transportation hub. Additionally, Kansas shares a historical context of westward expansion and frontier settlement, further highlighting its similarities to the West.
According to the Index, Massachusetts is the least similar state to the West region. Massachusetts was one of the first areas of the country settled by Europeans, in contrast to the West. Its population also tends to be wealthier and more educated. In fact, Massachusetts has the highest percentage of college graduates in the country. Furthermore, its people are more interested in ice hockey than the West region. Additionally, Massachusetts’s infrastructure is designed to support its dense urban centers and established transportation networks, unlike the vast and expansive infrastructure typical in western states.
