The United States is massive – spanning over 3.8 million square miles with more than 334 million people living in it. But strangely enough, nearly half the landmass is virtually empty. No, not because we don’t have enough people, but because certain states just don’t attract crowds. These are the states where you can drive for hours without seeing another soul. Sometimes it’s the weather. Sometimes it’s the remoteness. Sometimes it’s the economy. But for one reason or another, these states remain some of the most unpopulated or least moved-to in the nation.
So here they are – nine of America’s most empty, overlooked, and wild states. Some are desolate. Others are breathtaking. But all of them share one thing in common: no one’s moving in.
1. Wyoming
Wyoming tops the list with fewer than six people per square mile. That’s not a typo. In some areas, you’re more likely to see a moose than a neighbor. It’s the second-least populated state despite being the 10th largest in landmass. There are no major cities, and the economy is heavily reliant on federal and energy-sector jobs.
But for lovers of silence, open landscapes, and self-sufficiency, Wyoming is a dream. The scenery is nothing short of cinematic: snowcapped peaks, sprawling plains, and endless skies. It’s also one of the safest places to own a home. That said, don’t expect a Starbucks on every corner – this is the land of independence, both geographical and social.
2. Vermont
Vermont might sound quaint and cozy, and it is, but it’s also rural with a capital R. While its maple syrup and autumn leaves draw seasonal visitors, very few stick around. Less than 40% of Vermont’s population lives in urban areas. That means you’re surrounded by small towns, farmland, and dense forests, not bustling suburbs.
Since 2020, more people have started moving to Vermont in search of peace and simplicity, but its overall population remains small, under 650,000. If you crave community, expect that community to include goats, sugar shacks, and general stores. It’s charming, but intentionally slow-paced. This isn’t the place for people who need constant stimulation or a robust job market.
3. North Dakota
North Dakota is known more for its oil fields and brutal weather than for its appeal as a relocation hotspot. This state is remote, cold, and sparsely populated – fewer than 800,000 residents live here. You could fit the entire population into a handful of New York City blocks.
And it’s not just the cold. North Dakota has punishing summers, violent windstorms, and an economy dominated by agriculture and energy. Unless you work in oil or love solitude, it can feel isolating. On the flip side, if you’re looking for wide open prairie skies and no traffic ever, this might be your ideal frontier.
4. Delaware
Surprisingly, Delaware makes this list not for its size, it’s tiny, but because of how few people seem interested in moving there. The population hovers just above one million, and Wilmington, the largest city, has fewer than 75,000 residents.
Delaware is home to more corporations than people, thanks to its tax-friendly laws, but that doesn’t mean jobs are abundant. Many of those businesses are just registered there without contributing much to the local economy. The upside? If you want small beach towns, quiet neighborhoods, and zero state income tax, Delaware could be calling your name. Just don’t expect big city excitement.
5. Alaska
Alaska is huge. In fact, if you cut it in half, each piece would still be bigger than Texas. But all that space only houses about 730,000 people. Why? Because Alaska is one of the most remote and extreme places on Earth.
Forget long winters – Alaska has dark winters. You’ll get four hours of daylight in some areas and temperatures cold enough to make your eyelashes freeze. There are also very few roads. Travel between towns often requires a plane. Still, for those drawn to rugged beauty and off-grid living, there’s nowhere else like it. But be warned: if you aren’t prepared, Alaska will chew you up and spit you out.
6. South Dakota
Famous for Mount Rushmore and… well, mostly just Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is vast, windy, and largely agricultural. With a population under 900,000, there’s a lot of land and not a lot of people to share it with. The winters are brutal and the job market is slim outside of agriculture and tourism.
But here’s the thing – if you’re craving serenity and endless skies, this state delivers. You can buy land for a fraction of the cost of more populated areas, and you’ll never hear your neighbors because you might not have any. Just be ready to travel miles to find a Target or decent cup of coffee.
7. Maine
Maine is so far north, it’s practically part of Canada. With nearly 90% of the state covered in forest, it’s a natural paradise – if you can handle the cold. Winters here are long, harsh, and bone-chilling. Blizzards, frozen lakes, and negative temps are part of everyday life.
That said, the scenery is stunning. Coastal towns, moose crossings, and peaceful lakes give Maine an untouched beauty you won’t find elsewhere. But unless you thrive on snowmobiles and solitude, it’s a hard place to live year-round. The 1.3 million people who do? They’re tough as nails.
8. Montana
Montana feels like a state built for postcards – rivers, mountains, and wild open ranges. But despite being larger than Japan, it only has about 1.1 million residents. That’s one person for every ten square miles.
Why the low turnout? The extreme seasons. Summers are blazing hot, and winters are brutally cold. There are few big cities, and basic amenities can be hours away. For some, that’s the charm. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. If you want a state that feels like the set of a Western movie, complete with cowboy hats and breathtaking sunsets, Montana might be your frontier.
9. Rhode Island
It may seem odd to include the smallest state in a list of “empty” places, but Rhode Island’s story is more about being overlooked than underpopulated. With just over a million people squeezed into 1,000 square miles, it’s densely populated, yes, but it’s rarely anyone’s destination.
The cost of living keeps rising, and much of its original New England charm is being overtaken by high taxes and expensive housing. It’s like New York without the skyline. That said, the beaches are beautiful, the seafood is top-notch, and everything is within walking distance. It’s just not where the average person is racing to move these days.
Is Emptiness a Curse or a Calling?
These nine states tell a bigger story about America. While cities grow denser and housing more expensive, vast parts of the country remain untouched. For some, that’s a tragedy – missed economic opportunity, limited resources, and isolation. But for others, it’s a blessing.
Empty doesn’t mean lifeless. In fact, these states offer something cities can’t: space, silence, and self-reliance. Whether you’re dreaming of escaping the noise or just curious about how the other half of America lives (or doesn’t), these empty states might just be calling your name.
The real question is – would you answer the call?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.
