East of the Mississippi River, in the United States, lies an area rich in diversity and culture. There are many people who call this area home, but just how many? This article is an exploration of the population east of the river, including geographical characteristics and the statistical breakdown.
The East is comprised of many states and regions, each with their own distinct geography, culture, and population density. The Eastern half of the United States generally spans from the easternmost border of the United States to the Mississippi River, including many of the Great Lakes. Some of the states included in this region are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The overwhelming majority of the population of the United States reside east of the Mississippi River, with more than 200 million people living between the river and the eastern border.
When broken down into states, the three most populous states east of the Mississippi River are all in the South. According to the most recent Census estimates from 2017, the top three states are Texas (with 28.3 million people), Georgia (with 10.3 million people), and North Carolina (with 10.2 million people). Other populous states in the region include Florida (with 20.2 million people), Virginia (with 8.48 million people), and Ohio (with 11.7 million people).
The most populous city on the Eastern half of the United States is New York City, with more than 8.5 million people. Other major cities in the region include Chicago, Illinois (with 2.7 million people), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (with 1.6 million people), Miami, Florida (with 6 million people), Atlanta, Georgia (with 5.8 million people), and Detroit, Michigan (with 4.3 million people).
In addition to population breakdowns, the East is composed of a variety of regions and sub-regions. The mid-Atlantic region includes the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC; while the south-eastern states encompass Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida. The Midwest is comprised of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. In the North East, we find Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Overall, the population east of the Mississippi River is large, complex, and diverse. With more than 200 million people living between the river and the eastern border, this large and varied population provides for unique opportunities for interstate commerce, culture, and history. A better understanding of the population of the region will help in creating better policies and programs for the area’s residents, as well as its economic future.
Economic Impact Of The Region
The region east of the Mississippi River abounds with economic opportunity, as it is home to the majority of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, its most populous states, and its largest manufacturing facilities. In addition to the large populations, the region boasts healthy educational attainment outcomes and a steady stream of skilled talent. With all of this opportunity, it’s no surprise that the region also accounts for a majority of the United States’ economic output, amounting to more than $14 trillion in 2017. This output accounts for more than two-thirds of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product that year, making the East of the Mississippi region a major engine for the nation’s economic growth.
In addition to the large economic output, other aspects of the region’s economy are notable. For instance, the Midwest states, led by Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, are responsible for the majority of the nation’s manufacturing output, accounting for more than 25% of the country’s total output. Similarly, the Mid-Atlantic states, led by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, are responsible for the majority of the nation’s services output, accounting for more than 35% of the country’s total services output. The combination of these two outputs, manufacturing and services, makes the East of the Mississippi region a major driver of the United States economy.
Infrastructure Development And Resources
With this population and economic output, the region has seen major infrastructure investments over the years. Some of the largest projects have included increasing the capacity of the Interstate system, expanding airport facilities, and improving public transportation options. All of these efforts have been designed to improve the mobility of people and goods throughout the region, while also improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The region has also seen significant investments in natural resources, such as clean water, energy sources, and land. These resources are not only important for the growth of the region, but also for its long-term sustainability. For instance, the Clean Water Act has helped to safeguard the region’s lakes and rivers, helping to ensure the availability of clean drinking water for future generations. Similarly, the Clean Air Act has helped to reduce air pollution, a major source of health problems in many of the region’s cities. Finally, investments in renewable energy sources have helped to reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and greater energy efficiency.
Socio-Cultural Perspectives
The region is home to a diverse range of cultures, ethnicities, and religions, making it one of the most culturally diverse areas in the United States. This has led to many vibrant and dynamic communities throughout the region, with many of these communities forming the backbone of the region’s social fabric. In addition to the diversity, the region has also seen recently increasing civic engagement, with more people being involved in local community efforts, including electing representatives and supporting local businesses. Finally, the region is also the site of many major national holidays, such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving, which all serve to remind citizens of the importance of their regional identity and their place in American society.
Implications Of Growing Population
The region’s population is growing steadily, with people moving into the area for economic and educational opportunities. This influx of new residents can bring about both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, increasing populations can expand the local tax base and provide a larger labor pool for businesses. On the other hand, increasing population can cause strain on infrastructure, such as public transportation and housing, as well as an increase in social services costs. It is important for local governments and businesses to consider these impacts before increasing their presence in the region.
Negative Externalities Of Ecology
With economic growth and population influx come a number of negative externalities for the region’s ecology. Pollution of water, air, and soil are all increasing as industries, transportation, and development increase. With most of the region’s rivers, lakes, and coasts lined with industrial and agricultural operations, these resources are often adversely impacted by runoff and waste. It is important for local governments and businesses to consider the impacts of their activities on the local ecology before expanding operations in the region.
Demographic Changes In East Of The Mississippi River
The population east of the Mississippi River has seen many major changes over the decades, as immigration and migration have brought new people and cultures to the area. The region has seen an influx of immigrants predominantly from Asian, Latin American, and African countries, making for a more diverse population. These new populations have generally been concentrated in larger metropolitan areas, such as New York City and Philadelphia, but are slowly making their way into more suburban and rural areas. These demographic changes have been both positive and negative, and it will be important for local governments and businesses to respond to the changes in order to best serve their constituents and customers.
