U.S. Regions and Divisions: A Comprehensive Overview

The United States is a geographically and culturally diverse nation, leading to numerous ways to define its regions. These definitions range from official government classifications used for data analysis to those based on shared history, culture, and economic factors. Understanding these regional divisions is crucial for various applications, including data collection, economic planning, and understanding societal trends.

Census Bureau-Designated Regions and Divisions

Since 1950, the U.S. Census Bureau has defined four statistical regions, each further divided into nine divisions. This system is “widely used for data collection and analysis” and represents the most common classification method.

Northeast

• New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
• Mid-Atlantic: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

Midwest

• East North Central: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
• West North Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

South

• South Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
• East South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee
• West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

West

• Mountain: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
• Pacific: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington

It’s critical to note that Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories are not included in any census region or division.

Federal Reserve System Districts

The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 established twelve Federal Reserve districts, each with a central Federal Reserve Bank. These districts form a key component of the U.S. Central banking system. Missouri uniquely has two Federal Reserve locations within its borders, while several other states are divided between multiple districts.

Beyond Official Definitions

While the Census Bureau and Federal Reserve provide standardized regional definitions, numerous other regional classifications exist based on cultural, historical, and economic factors. These alternative definitions often reflect the diverse identities and experiences within the United States.