Is California or Missouri bigger in terms of land area?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

California vs. Missouri

California and Missouri are two of the most populous states in the United States. Both states are known for their unique attractions and economic contributions. However, one of the most common questions asked is, which state is bigger in terms of land area? This article will explore the land area of California and Missouri, compare their sizes, and provide insight into the factors that affect land area.

Land area of California

California is the third-largest state in the United States in terms of land area. With a land area of 163,696 square miles, it is one of the most diverse states in the country, with a variety of landscapes ranging from mountains to deserts to beaches. California has 58 counties, and its land area makes up approximately 4.2% of the entire United States.

Land area of Missouri

Missouri is located in the Midwestern region of the United States and is the 21st largest state in the country. Missouri’s land area is 69,702 square miles, making it significantly smaller than California. Missouri has 114 counties and is known for its rolling hills, forests, and lakes.

Comparison of land areas

When comparing the land areas of California and Missouri, it is evident that California is much larger. California’s land area is almost two and a half times larger than Missouri’s land area. This means that California has more space for various types of environments and natural resources than Missouri.

California’s ranking in U.S. land area

As previously mentioned, California is the third-largest state in the United States in terms of land area, ranking behind only Alaska and Texas. Its size makes it a significant contributor to the country’s land area, accounting for over 4% of the entire United States.

Missouri’s ranking in U.S. land area

Missouri is the 21st largest state in the United States in terms of land area. While it may not be as large as some of the other states, it still makes up a significant portion of the country and has diverse landscapes and natural resources.

Factors affecting land area

The land area of a state can be affected by several factors, including geography, topography, and natural resources. For example, a state with a higher elevation or mountainous terrain may have a larger land area than a state with mostly flat land. Additionally, a state with a significant amount of water or wetlands may have a smaller land area than a state with less water.

Population density in California vs. Missouri

California has a population density of 256.4 people per square mile, which is much higher than Missouri’s population density of 89.7 people per square mile. This can be attributed to the fact that California is home to several major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which have large populations.

Natural resources in California vs. Missouri

Both California and Missouri have a variety of natural resources, including forests, minerals, and water. California is known for its fertile farmland, vineyards, and beaches, while Missouri is home to several large rivers and abundant forests.

Economic contributions of California vs. Missouri

California has the largest economy of any state in the United States and is home to several Fortune 500 companies. The state’s economy is diverse and includes several industries, including entertainment, technology, and agriculture. Missouri’s economy is also diverse and includes industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.

Conclusion: Which state is bigger in land area?

In conclusion, California is significantly larger than Missouri in terms of land area. This can be attributed to several factors, including its diverse geography and natural resources. However, both states have unique attractions, economic contributions, and natural resources that make them valuable to the United States.

Final thoughts and recommendations

While California and Missouri may be different in terms of land area, both states offer opportunities for growth and development. Individuals interested in relocating to these states should consider their unique qualities and determine which state best fits their lifestyle and career goals.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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