Main Topic
In the United States, there are many states east of the Mississippi River. The number of states east of the Mississippi River varies from source to source due to the differing definitions of East Coast states. Depending on one’s definition, the range of states east of the Mississippi River could vary from 12 to as many as 28. The states east of the Mississippi River all fall under the umbrella of the Eastern Seaboard, and are often collectively known as “The East Coast.” Studies show that the population, size, and economic growth of states east of the Mississippi River outpace that of their western counterparts.
Data & Demographics
The Old Line State, Maryland, is the most populous of the states east of the Mississippi River, with a population estimated to be just over 6 Million according to the 2019 US Census Bureau estimates. In comparison, Oklahoma is the least populous state east of the Mississippi River, with a population estimated to be 3.9 Million. Virginia, Florida, and Georgia occupy the three positions following Maryland in terms of population. Each of the 12 states east of the Mississippi River has a population over 1 million. All of the states east of the Mississippi River are part of the “Southern United States” with the exception of Maine.
The states east of the Mississippi River have larger population densities than states west of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the states east of the Mississippi River are generally more populous than their western counterparts. Taken altogether, these states account for the majority of the nation’s population, with an estimated 83.2 Million Americans living east of the Mississippi River.
Economic Growth & Development
Research conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that states east of the Mississippi River are outpacing those in the West in terms of economic growth. States east of the Mississippi River have a higher rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth than their western counterparts. To further illustrate this point, total real estate construction and real estate investor activity have grown faster in the east than in the west.
States east of the Mississippi River have been benefiting from economy-boosting opportunities, such as large investments from the federal government, like the Navy Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program. Additionally, the states east of the Mississippi River stand to benefit from recently announced infrastructure investment plans as well. This, in combination with the population growth, has lead to increased housing-price growth in these states.
Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that the median incomes of households living in the east tend to be higher than the median incomes of households in the west. This difference is most likely attributed to the higher concentration of heavily populated metropolitan areas in the east.
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
The cost of living in the states east of the Mississippi River has been on the rise, comprising a considerably higher percentage of household income than it does for households in the west. This is in part due to the unusually high cost of living of some of the states East of the Mississippi River, such as Hawaii, New York, and Connecticut. Despite this, the states east of the Mississippi River score extremely high in terms of overall quality of life.
The states east of the Mississippi River have enjoyed an increase in job opportunities and wages, fuelling further development. With that said, even the states with the lowest unemployment rates in the east still fail to reach the numbers achieved by some of the states with the lowest unemployment rates in the west. Moreover, in comparison with the west, the east has higher levels of income inequality.
Education
Numerous studies have revealed that states east of the Mississippi River trail those in the west in terms of education attainment. Generally, the quality of educational institutions are lower in these states, and a significantly lower percentage of the population has obtained college degrees. In some cases, high school graduation rates in the east are over 20% below the national average.
The states east of the Mississippi River suffer from wide disparities in terms of educational attainment. Discrimination and poverty are two of the most prominent factors cascading the education gap between the states east and west of the Mississippi River.
However, even with the alarming discrepancies in educational achievement, some states east of the Mississippi River report high graduation rates, top-level college rankings, and academic achievements that rank among the highest in the nation.
Culture & Diversity
States east of the Mississippi River are ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse. The bulk of the population of the states east of the Mississippi River is composed of African Americans, white Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Numerous cultures and languages are spoken within this region, creating a vibrant cultural environment.
The states east of the Mississippi River are also home to many indigenous populations. The Cherokee Nation is based in the state of North Carolina, and the Lumbee Tribe is based in the state of North Carolina, as well. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians also maintains several reservations in the East.
Though the states east of the Mississippi River are diverse in terms of demographics, they tend to share some sense of cultural unity. Each state has its own unique customs and beliefs, but they are all connected by the values they share and the common experiences they’ve had.
Population Growth & Immigration
The states east of the Mississippi River have seen an influx of residents from all over the country due to the states’ higher quality of life and greater opportunities. As a result, this region has seen a much more robust population growth than the western states. This population growth, however, has put strain on the areas’ infrastructure, resources and services.
Cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston, have become destinations for immigrants seeking greater economic opportunities. Studies show that immigrants to the United States are disproportionately attracted to the states east of the Mississippi River due to the higher availability of employment opportunities.
The states east of the Mississippi River also have a strong migration pattern from within the region, with many states seeing large numbers of citizens relocating every year. This, in combination with the influx of immigrants, has caused the population of the region to increase extensively, resulting in the need for more housing, transportation, and employment opportunities.
Politics & Government
The states east of the Mississippi River are all part of the Eastern Seaboard, comprising a large voting bloc that holds a considerable amount of influence in national politics. States east of the Mississippi River are collectively responsible for electing the President in every election since 1988, with the winner of the election being chose by the majority of states east of the Mississippi River.
States in the east have also uncharacteristically higher voter turnout than those in the western part of the United States. This is largely due to their larger population and is the reason why many political strategists target eastern states in terms of political campaigning.
Furthermore, states east of the Mississippi River account for a significant portion of the nation’s GDP, both directly and indirectly. Their economic standing makes them an indispensable component of the nation as a whole.
Agriculture & Land Use
While most of the states east of the Mississippi River specialize in manufacturing and technology, respectively, the region’s agriculture industry is also quite prominent. States east of the Mississippi River are leaders in terms of agricultural production and are responsible for over half of the country’s total agricultural output.
The states east of the Mississippi River are home to a variety of resources, including vast areas of land. Over half of the land in the region is privately owned and is used primarily for agricultural purposes, while the remainder is managed by local governments. The states east of the Mississippi River are particularly notable for their exceptional timber and mineral resources.
In terms of land use, states east of the Mississippi River have seen a rise in urbanization in recent years, with larger metropolitan areas dominating the landscape. This has made it more difficult for the states to both protect and preserve their natural resources.
Tourism
The states east of the Mississippi River are well-known for their diverse range of tourist attractions, including historical sites, national parks, and cities. The region’s incredible coastline and sandy beaches entice many tourists year-round. The popular theme parks, such as Universal Orlando and Hershey Park, in Pennsylvania, also attract large numbers of tourists from all over the country.
The states east of the Mississippi River benefit from the “East Coast Charm”, attracting millions of tourists each year due to its unique history, architecture, and in some cases, cuisine. This inevitably leads to a significant influx of cash for the region’s businesses, making it a major economic driver for the states east of the Mississippi River.
Some of the most renowned destinations in the east are Washington D.C., New York City, and the famed beaches of California and Florida. Additionally, many states in the east host annual festivals, such as the Washington Folk Festival and the Florida State Fair, which bring in thousands of tourists.
