50 States: Population, Energy & Climate Change
Interactive Map with Data
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This interactive map of the U.S. shows the population and energy factors that link them to climate change, including: population numbers, population growth rate, housing units (indicator of energy consumption per household and household appliances), energy consumption per-capita, carbon dioxide (C02) emissions per-capita, and vehicle miles traveled per-capita (VMT), indicating fossil fuel burning which contributes to CO2 emissions. It shows how the nation, its regions, and each of the 50 states compare. Click on each state or region in the map below to see how they stack up.
View data by region: 
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Alabama |
Population |
4,661,900 |
Population Growth |
0.8 |
Housing Units |
2,137,018 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
466.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
31.08 |
VMT per-capita |
30,962 |
A small state with big emissions: Alabama is among the top ten states in per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption. Also ranks sixth nationally in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Alaska |
Population |
686,293 |
Population Growth |
0.8 |
Housing Units |
282,234 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
1,112.20 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
70.39 |
VMT per-capita |
11,365 |
Most vulnerable state to climate change, Alaska ranks first in state per-capita energy consumption and third in CO2 emissions per-capita. State per-capita vehicle miles traveled is among the ten lowest in the nation.
Arizona |
Population |
6,500,180 |
Population Growth |
2.3 |
Housing Units |
2,667,502 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
248.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
16.33 |
VMT per-capita |
35,002 |
Ranks in the top three states in growing population and new housing units. Tenth in vehicle miles traveled per-capita. State per-capita energy consumption is among the ten lowest in the nation.
Arkansas |
Population |
2,855,390 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
1,287,429 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
407.4 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
21.84 |
VMT per-capita |
31,008 |
One of the 7 states recently funded under the U.S. Recovery Act for renewable and energy efficiency programs, Arkansas’s state per-capita energy consumption and per-capita electricity consumption is among the top 15 and ranks 21st in population growth.
California |
Population |
36,756,666 |
Population Growth |
1.0 |
Housing Units |
13,308,346 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
232.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
10.85 |
VMT per-capita |
35,631 |
Most populated state, with the highest in vehicle miles traveled overall, and ranked 7th in vehicle miles traveled per-capita. State per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption is among the lowest in the nation. Ranks first in energy efficiency among the U.S. states.
Colorado |
Population |
4,939,456 |
Population Growth |
2.0 |
Housing Units |
2,127,156 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
299.6 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
20.19 |
VMT per-capita |
37,862 |
Ranks in the top ten states in growing population as well as per-capita motor gasoline consumption. Third in vehicle miles traveled per-capita. Denver is ranked as one of the leading transit systems in the West.
Connecticut |
Population |
3,501,252 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
1,438,436 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
242.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
12.42 |
VMT per-capita |
24,303 |
The state's per-capita energy consumption and CO2 emissions are among the ten lowest in the nation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Connecticut as one of the nation's top "green power purchasers" in biofuel.
Delaware |
Population |
873,092 |
Population Growth |
1.3 |
Housing Units |
388,616 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
352.5 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
21.11 |
VMT per-capita |
43,020 |
State per-capita electricity consumption is among the ten lowest in the nation, but ranks second in vehicle miles traveled per-capita.
District of Columbia |
Population |
591,833 |
Population Growth |
0.7 |
Housing Units |
284,221 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
299.9 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
6.78 |
VMT per-capita |
23,233 |
Has the least electricity consumption and CO2 emissions per-capita. Per-capita vehicle miles traveled is among the ten lowest in the nation.
Florida |
Population |
18,328,340 |
Population Growth |
0.7 |
Housing Units |
8,718,385 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
255.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
14.70 |
VMT per-capita |
34,560 |
Florida has the largest land area threatened by sea-level rise, is the fourth most populated state, and among the top ten states in growing population. State per-capita energy consumption is among the ten lowest in the nation.
Georgia |
Population |
9,685,744 |
Population Growth |
1.7 |
Housing Units |
3,961,474 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
336.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
20.20 |
VMT per-capita |
22,484 |
One of the seven states that have been recently funded through the U.S. Recovery Act for energy programs, Georgia is among the nation's top ten populated states, with rapid growth in new housing units. State per-capita vehicle miles traveled is among the ten lowest in the nation.
Hawaii |
Population |
1,288,198 |
Population Growth |
0.8 |
Housing Units |
506,737 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
259.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
18.18 |
VMT per-capita |
23,413 |
Paying highest prices for electricity and fuel, Hawaii’s state per-capita energy consumption and electricity consumption is among the lowest in the nation.
Idaho |
Population |
1,523,816 |
Population Growth |
1.8 |
Housing Units |
631,071 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
351.6 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
11.11 |
VMT per-capita |
26,532 |
Ranks fifth in growing population. State per-capita CO2 emissions and electricity consumption is among the lowest in nation. Most improved of all U.S. states in energy efficiency; Idaho ranks fifth in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Illinois |
Population |
12,901,563 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
5,246,005 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
308.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
19.09 |
VMT per-capita |
20,728 |
Among the top ten most populated states in the nation, with high national ranking in new housing units. State per-capita vehicle miles traveled is among the lowest in the nation. Chicago ranks 2nd in the U.S. for best mass transit system.
Indiana |
Population |
6,376,792 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
2,78,394 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
454.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
37.01 |
VMT per-capita |
27,147 |
Among the top ten in state per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption.
Iowa |
Population |
3,002,555 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
1,329,596 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
406.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
26.96 |
VMT per-capita |
30,557 |
Ranks in the ten lowest of U.S. states in population growth, but among the top fifteen in state per-capita CO2 emissions and electricity consumption.
Kansas |
Population |
2,802,134 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
1,219,439 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
381.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
26.43 |
VMT per-capita |
34,438 |
Ranks among the top fifteen in state per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption.
Kentucky |
Population |
4,269,245 |
Population Growth |
0.8 |
Housing Units |
1,906,096 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
468.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
36.48 |
VMT per-capita |
31,284 |
One of the seven states that have been recently funded by the U.S. government for energy efficiency programs, Kentucky ranks sixth in state per-capita energy consumption and electricity consumption. Ranks eighth in CO2 emissions per-capita.
Louisiana |
Population |
4,410,796 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
1,859,179 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
896.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
42.61 |
VMT per-capita |
24,191 |
With negative population growth, Louisiana ranks among top ten states in energy consumption and CO2 emissions per-capita. Ranked tenth in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita. Particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and severe coastal weather events.
Maine |
Population |
1,316,456 |
Population Growth |
0.1 |
Housing Units |
696,611 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
348.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
17.47 |
VMT per-capita |
22,204 |
Ranks among the ten lowest in state vehicle miles traveled per-capita. Ranked fourth in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita. Maine was ranked 3rd most "bicycle-friendly" of the 50 states.
Maryland |
Population |
5,633,597 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
2,318,456 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
259.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
15.06 |
VMT per-capita |
34,507 |
Ranks among the ten lowest state per-capita energy consumption and electricity consumption.
Massachusetts |
Population |
6,497,967 |
Population Growth |
0.5 |
Housing Units |
2,722,190 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
229.9 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
13.20 |
VMT per-capita |
27,341 |
Among the lowest in population growth, Massachusetts ranks in the ten lowest states in per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption. Boston is America’s most "pedestrianized" city.
Michigan |
Population |
10,003,422 |
Population Growth |
-0.5 |
Housing Units |
4,527,655 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
296.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
18.76 |
VMT per-capita |
33,439 |
One of the most populated states with relatively high number of housing units, but among the lowest in population growth. High in number of second homes.
Minnesota |
Population |
5,220,393 |
Population Growth |
0.7 |
Housing Units |
2,304,467 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
353.5 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
19.68 |
VMT per-capita |
28,412 |
Ranking seventh in energy efficiency nationally, Minnesota is among the top twenty states in per-capita renewable energy production and consumption.
Mississippi |
Population |
2,938,618 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
1,254,908 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
419.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
21.91 |
VMT per-capita |
37,715 |
One of the seven states that have been funded recently by the U.S. government for energy efficiency programs, Mississippi ranks fourth in vehicle miles traveled per-capita.
Missouri |
Population |
5,911,605 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
2,647,274 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
327.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
24.38 |
VMT per-capita |
34,192 |
The electric power sector is the fastest growing share in the state, and Missouri is among the ten lowest in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Montana |
Population |
967,440 |
Population Growth |
1.1 |
Housing Units |
435,533 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
453.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
38.76 |
VMT per-capita |
34,183 |
One of the seven states that have been funded recently by the federal government for energy efficient programs, Montana is among the top ten states per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption. Ranks second in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Nebraska |
Population |
1,783,432 |
Population Growth |
0.8 |
Housing Units |
780,804 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
373.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
24.57 |
VMT per-capita |
33,559 |
Ranks eleventh in state per-capita electricity consumption and among the top twenty in per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and vehicle miles traveled.
Nevada |
Population |
2,600,167 |
Population Growth |
1.8 |
Housing Units |
1,102,379 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
307.6 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
20.57 |
VMT per-capita |
21,818 |
Ranks first in population growth and in new housing units nationally. Among 10 lowest vehicle miles traveled per-capita.
New Hampshire |
Population |
1,315,809 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
594,052 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
238.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
16.28 |
VMT per-capita |
28,849 |
State per-capita energy consumption is among the ten lowest in the nation, while each resident produces 17 tons of CO2 each year.
New Jersey |
Population |
8,682,661 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
3,499,406 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
300.6 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
15.54 |
VMT per-capita |
35,502 |
Ranking tenth in energy efficiency, New Jersey’s state per-capita electricity consumption is among the ten lowest in the nation. Ranks ninth in state per-capita vehicle miles traveled.
New Mexico |
Population |
1,984,356 |
Population Growth |
1.0 |
Housing Units |
862,067 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
351.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
30.78 |
VMT per-capita |
37,141 |
Among the top ten in state per-capita CO2 emissions, electricity consumption, and vehicle miles traveled. It ranks 21 in energy consumption per-capita.
New York |
Population |
19,490,297 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
7,939,846 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
204.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
10.95 |
VMT per-capita |
20,960 |
The third most populated state is also among the lowest state per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, electricity consumption, and vehicle miles traveled. New York City ranks first in the U.S. for best mass transit; it's the only U.S. city where over half (about 75%) of the households don’t own a car.
North Carolina |
Population |
9,222,414 |
Population Growth |
2.0 |
Housing Units |
4,125,308 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
299.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
17.69 |
VMT per-capita |
27,763 |
Having one of the largest land areas threatened by sea-level rise, North Carolina is among the top 10 populated states with high growing population and new housing units. Among the top ten states in renewable energy production.
North Dakota |
Population |
641,481 |
Population Growth |
0.6 |
Housing Units |
310,548 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
644.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
77.30 |
VMT per-capita |
34,670 |
North Dakota ranks second in CO2 emissions per-capita and electricity consumption per-capita, and fourth in energy consumption per-capita. With negative population growth, North Dakota is among the top ten states in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Ohio |
Population |
11,485,910 |
Population Growth |
0.1 |
Housing Units |
5,064,900 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
339.6 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
23.56 |
VMT per-capita |
21,901 |
Being among lowest states in population growth, state per-capita vehicle miles traveled is also among the lowest in the nation.
Oklahoma |
Population |
3,642,361 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
1,623,010 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
448.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
30.00 |
VMT per-capita |
35,546 |
Among the top ten in state per-capita electricity consumption and vehicle miles traveled and ranks eleventh in energy consumption and CO2 emissions per-capita.
Oregon |
Population |
3,790,060 |
Population Growth |
1.5 |
Housing Units |
1,609,595 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
301.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
11.75 |
VMT per-capita |
29,617 |
Among the lowest in CO2 emissions per-capita, Oregon ranks third in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita. Portland has the highest percentage of two-wheeled commuters in America.
Pennsylvania |
Population |
12,448,279 |
Population Growth |
0.2 |
Housing Units |
5,477,864 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
317.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
22.40 |
VMT per-capita |
25,521 |
One of the most populated states, with a high number of new housing units, Pennsylvania is among the lowest in population growth in the nation today.
Rhode Island |
Population |
1,050,788 |
Population Growth |
-0.2 |
Housing Units |
450,884 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
203.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
10.57 |
VMT per-capita |
33,261 |
Rhode Island, with low population growth, has the lowest state per-capita energy consumption and is among the ten lowest consumers in per-capita electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. The most energy-efficient state as a percentage of its total electrical sales.
South Carolina |
Population |
4,479,800 |
Population Growth |
1.7 |
Housing Units |
2,021,947 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
394.4 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
20.50 |
VMT per-capita |
26,809 |
Among the top ten states in population growth, South Carolina ranks seventh in state per-capita energy consumption.
South Dakota |
Population |
804,194 |
Population Growth |
1.1 |
Housing Units |
357,240 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
344.9 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
16.91 |
VMT per-capita |
28,401 |
Ranks seventh in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita, and becoming a popular location for investment in wind power.
Tennessee |
Population |
6,214,888 |
Population Growth |
1.1 |
Housing Units |
2,724,729 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
380.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
21.25 |
VMT per-capita |
29,890 |
Ranks in the top twenty states in population growth.
Texas |
Population |
24,326,974 |
Population Growth |
2.0 |
Housing Units |
9,432,672 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
501.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
29.06 |
VMT per-capita |
34,917 |
Second most populated state and the sixth fastest growing, Texas has the highest state per-capita CO2 emissions and the second highest state per-capita vehicle miles traveled.
Utah |
Population |
2,736,424 |
Population Growth |
2.5 |
Housing Units |
925,242 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
304.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
26.37 |
VMT per-capita |
17,033 |
Among the top three states in growing population, and the state per-capita vehicle miles traveled is one of the lowest.
Vermont |
Population |
621,270 |
Population Growth |
0.1 |
Housing Units |
311,434 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
263.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
10.95 |
VMT per-capita |
21,263 |
One of the nation's most energy efficient states, with low state per-capita CO2 emissions and vehicle miles traveled. Vermont also ranks eighth in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita.
Virginia |
Population |
7,769,089 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
3,274,394 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
333.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
17.06 |
VMT per-capita |
28,745 |
Ranks in the top twenty states in population growth, and 17th highest CO2 emitter in the U.S.
Washington |
Population |
6,549,224 |
Population Growth |
1.5 |
Housing Units |
2,744,069 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
322.2 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
13.65 |
VMT per-capita |
27,335 |
With 72 percent of the state’s electricity reliance on hydropower, Washington is among the lowest in CO2 emissions per-capita, and ranks first in renewable energy production and consumption per-capita. Washington was ranked most "bicycle-friendly" of the 50 states.
West Virginia |
Population |
1,814,468 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
882,685 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
458.5 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
62.65 |
VMT per-capita |
25,787 |
Among the top ten in state per-capita energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption.
Wisconsin |
Population |
5,627,967 |
Population Growth |
0.5 |
Housing Units |
2,560,099 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
326.3 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
19.95 |
VMT per-capita |
37,713 |
With the most snow cover in America, Wisconsin remains among the states with low CO2 emissions per-capita, and ranks ninth overall in energy efficiency. Ranks fifth nationwide in per-capita vehicle miles traveled. Ranked 2nd most "bicycle-friendly" of the 50 states.
Wyoming |
Population |
532,668 |
Population Growth |
1.8 |
Housing Units |
242,332 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
937.9 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
124.11 |
VMT per-capita |
44,080 |
Wyoming ranks last in energy efficiency among the U.S. states. It is the least populated state, with the highest state per-capita CO2 emissions, electricity consumption, and vehicle miles traveled.
Northeast |
Population |
54,924,779 |
Population Growth |
0.3 |
Housing Units |
23,130,723 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
255.5 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
14.91 |
VMT per-capita |
25,718 |
Midwest |
Population |
66,561,448 |
Population Growth |
0.4 |
Housing Units |
29,126,421 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
346.0 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
23.44 |
VMT per-capita |
28,282 |
South |
Population |
111,718,549 |
Population Growth |
1.3 |
Housing Units |
48,200,527 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
398.8 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
23.65 |
VMT per-capita |
31,255 |
West |
Population |
70,854,948 |
Population Growth |
1.4 |
Housing Units |
27,444,263 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
279.7 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
15.70 |
VMT per-capita |
32,848 |
United States |
Population |
304,059,724 |
Population Growth |
0.9 |
Housing Units |
127,901,934 |
Energy Consumption per-capita |
333.1 |
CO2 Emissions per-capita |
20.16 |
VMT per-capita |
29,975 |
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