Understanding US Geographic Regions and Divisions

For statistical purposes, the U.S. Census Bureau categorizes the 50 states and the District of Columbia into four major regions and nine divisions. These classifications are essential for data analysis and provide a framework for understanding the country’s diverse landscape and demographics. This article outlines these regions and their constituent states, as defined by the Census Bureau as of March 21, 2026.

Geographic Divisions

The nine geographic divisions are:

• New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
• Middle Atlantic: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
• East North Central: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
• West North Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
• South Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• East South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
• West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
• Mountain: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
• Pacific: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Geographic Regions

These divisions are further grouped into four broader geographic regions:

• Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
• Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
• South: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• West: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Understanding these regional and divisional classifications is crucial for interpreting statistical data related to the United States. The Census Bureau’s methodology provides a standardized approach to analyzing and comparing information across different parts of the country.

Source: CDC – Geographic division or region