The 10 Least Diverse US States: A Comprehensive Analysis

The United States is known for its diversity, but not all states are created equal. West Virginia ranks last in the categories of socioeconomic and cultural diversity, and in the bottom 10 in religious and political diversity. New Jersey ranks fourth among the most diverse United States, with fifth in socioeconomic diversity, seventh in cultural diversity, and fourth in political diversity. New York is the 5th most diverse state, with eighth in socioeconomic diversity and cultural diversity and sixth in household diversity and political diversity.

With a score of 58.40, West Virginia is the least diverse state in the US, ranked 50th in socioeconomic diversity and cultural diversity. Maine is the second least diverse state, with a score of 58.59 and ranked 49th in cultural diversity and 50th in religious diversity. Vermont is the third least diverse country in the United States, ranked 48th in cultural diversity and 47th in religious diversity. New Hampshire is the fourth least diverse state, ranking 47th in cultural diversity, 46th in religious diversity and 42nd in household diversity.

Montana is the fifth least diverse state, ranking 46th in household diversity, 44th in cultural diversity and 42nd in socioeconomic diversity and political diversity. We evaluated these dimensions using 14 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights and subcomponents. Each metric was rated on a 100-point scale. Finally, we determined the weighted average of each state across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to order the states. A total score of 100 represents the most diverse state. California, New York and Texas are among the top five most diverse states, with California having the greatest linguistic diversity.

Utah proved to be the place with the most diverse incomes, and Massachusetts became the state with the most diverse ways to obtain education. Hawaii surprisingly prevailed when it came to racial and ethnic diversity. The US Census Bureau predicts that by 2045 they will no longer have a single ethnic majority and will continue to grow in diversity. Take a look at the 10 least diverse states in the United States below to see if your community is doing a good job or needs improvement.