Top 10 Whitest States in the US

In this video, we'll be exploring the 10 whitest states in the US, ranked by percentage of white population.
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These states are predominantly inhabited by people of European descent, and their demographics have been shaped by historical and social factors.
Iowa.
Iowa's predominantly white population is a reflection of its history as a rural, agricultural state with a relatively low level of immigration. Currently, 85.3% of Iowa's population identifies as white, according to the US Census Bureau. For much of its history, Iowa's economy has been centered around agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, which has attracted predominantly white farmers to the state.
Another factor that has contributed to Iowa's predominantly white population is the state's history of racial segregation. Like many other states in the midwest, Iowa has a complicated history of race relations that has resulted in the concentration of white populations in certain areas. Throughout the 20th century, many African Americans who migrated to Iowa were forced into segregated neighborhoods and faced discrimination in housing and employment.
However, in recent years, Iowa's demographics have begun to shift as the state has become more diverse. According to the US Census Bureau, the percentage of Iowa's population that identifies as Hispanic or Latino has increased from 2.8% in 2000 to 6.2% in 2020. Additionally, the percentage of Iowa's population that identifies as Asian has increased from 1.7% in 2000 to 2.9% in 2020.
South Dakota.
South Dakota's predominantly white population has been shaped by its history as a rural, sparsely populated state with a low level of immigration. At present, 85.7% of South Dakota's population identifies as white, according to the US Census Bureau. The state's economy has been historically based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and wheat farming, which has attracted predominantly white farmers and ranchers to the state.
In recent years, South Dakota's demographics have begun to shift as the state has become more diverse. According to the US Census Bureau, the percentage of South Dakota's population that identifies as Hispanic or Latino has increased from 1.8% in 2000 to 3.9% in 2020. Additionally, the percentage of South Dakota's population that identifies as Asian has increased from 0.8% in 2000 to 1.6% in 2020.
Montana.
Montana's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 86.4% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is Montana's history as a rural, sparsely populated state with a low level of immigration. In the 19th century, Montana was primarily settled by white pioneers and ranchers who were attracted to the state's vast open spaces and natural resources, such as gold and silver mines.
Another factor that has contributed to Montana's predominantly white population is the state's harsh climate and rugged terrain. The state's cold winters and mountainous landscapes have made it difficult for many people to settle in the region, which has resulted in a relatively low level of immigration compared to other states.
Despite its predominantly white population, Montana has a rich history of Native American culture and heritage. The state is home to 12 Native American tribes, and their contributions to Montana's history and culture are celebrated throughout the state. Additionally, Montana's Native American population has been growing in recent years, with the US Census Bureau reporting that the percentage of the state's population that identifies as American Indian or Alaska Native increased from 6.5% in 2000 to 7.4% in 2020.
Another interesting demographic trend in Montana is the state's aging population. According to the US Census Bureau, Montana has one of the oldest populations in the country, with a median age of 42.7 years.
Wyoming.
Wyoming's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 86.9% according to the US Census Bureau, is the result of historical and social factors that have shaped the state's demographics. One of the main factors is Wyoming's history as a rural, sparsely populated state with a low level of immigration. In the 19th century, Wyoming was primarily settled by white pioneers and ranchers who were attracted to the state's vast open spaces and natural resources, such as coal and oil.
Another interesting demographic trend in Wyoming is the state's low population density. According to the US Census Bureau, Wyoming is the least populous state in the country, with a population of just over 570,000 people.
Idaho.
Idaho's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 88.4% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is Idaho's history as a rural, predominantly agricultural state with a low level of immigration. Idaho's economy has been historically based on agriculture, particularly potato farming, which has attracted predominantly white farmers to the state.
Despite its predominantly white population, Idaho has a rich history of Native American culture and heritage. The state is home to five Native American tribes, and their contributions to Idaho's history and culture are celebrated throughout the state.
Another interesting demographic trend in Idaho is the state's growing Hispanic population. According to the US Census Bureau, the percentage of Idaho's population that identifies as Hispanic or Latino has increased from 7.9% in 2000 to 12.6% in 2020.
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North Dakota.
North Dakota's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 89.2% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is North Dakota's history as a rural, sparsely populated state with a low level of immigration. In the 19th century, North Dakota was primarily settled by white pioneers and farmers who were attracted to the state's vast open spaces and natural resources, such as fertile land for farming and oil.

Maine.
Maine's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 93.4% according to the US Census Bureau, can be attributed to many factors that have shaped the state's demographics. One of the main factors is Maine's history of settlement by French, English, and Scottish immigrants. These groups arrived in Maine in the 17th and 18th centuries, and their descendants make up a significant portion of the state's white population.
Despite its predominantly white population, Maine also has a significant population of people of French Canadian descent. The state's Franco-American community has a rich cultural heritage, and their contributions to Maine's history and culture are celebrated throughout the state.
Another interesting demographic trend in Maine is the state's aging population. According to the US Census Bureau, Maine has the oldest median age in the country, at 45.6 years.
Vermont.
Vermont's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 94% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is Vermont's history of progressive social policies, including being the first state to abolish slavery in 1777. This commitment to social justice has attracted many people who value diversity and inclusivity, but the lack of economic opportunities has made it difficult for people of color to settle in the state.
West Virginia.
West Virginia's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 94.3% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is West Virginia's history as a rural, Appalachian state with a low level of immigration. The state's rugged terrain and harsh winters have made it difficult for many people to settle in the region, which has resulted in a relatively low level of immigration compared to other states.
Another factor that has contributed to West Virginia's predominantly white population is its coal mining industry. The state's coal mining industry has traditionally attracted predominantly white workers, who have settled in the region and made it their home. Additionally, the state's history of labor activism and unionization has played a role in shaping the state's demographics, as many of these predominantly white workers have stayed in the region and passed down their culture and traditions to subsequent generations.
New Hampshire.
New Hampshire's predominantly white population, which currently stands at 94.7% according to the US Census Bureau. One of the main factors is New Hampshire's history as a predominantly rural, industrial state with a low level of immigration. The state's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, which have attracted predominantly white workers and families to the region.
Another interesting demographic trend in New Hampshire is the state's political culture. New Hampshire is known for its tradition of town hall meetings, where residents gather to discuss local issues and political candidates.