Let’s be honest, some states in the U.S. are definitely more exciting than others. But what about the flip side? Are there places where excitement and adventure take a back seat?
Some states are typically seen as less interesting than their counterparts, and this reputation can vary for a number of reasons. Factors like population size, what cities have to offer, cultural events, and the overall pace of life all play a role in shaping this perception.
Well, in this post, I have mentioned 11 states that are often labeled as the most boring states in the United States. Let’s find out why these states are considered “boring”!
Note: What may seem boring to some could be interesting to others as everyone’s got their own opinion on what makes a place intresting. While listing the states below, I have considered certain criteria that make a state less interesting.
I don’t have anything against any state, and if you think I’ve been unfair to yours, please accept my sincere apologies.
Most Boring States: Key Facts
- Delaware is the second smallest state in the US and stands among the least populated states, with 529 people per square mile.
- While Kansas is among the largest states in the country, its population growth has been relatively stagnant in recent years. On the bright side, it is recognized as the cheapest state to live in.
- North Dakota is the fourth-least populous state in the United States, with only 9.7 people per square mile.
- Being the 10th largest state in the US, Wyoming has the lowest population of around 584,057.
Methodology Behind the Most Boring State Rankings
Here is a thing about boring. It is not something that you can measure scientifically, so I have considered basic factors that can really influence how exciting or boring a state feels.
Firstly, I looked at the Population. I considered whether the population is growing or shrinking. A smaller population often means fewer activities, events, and attractions. If a state has a low population, it might not have as much going on in terms of new businesses or cultural events.
Another thing to take into account is if there is any history and other exciting things to do. Are there landmarks, museums, or fun activities that draw people in?
Weather is also a fair point. Extreme weather can keep people indoors and limit outdoor activities. I also examined a number of cities and the presence of college students. A lack of college towns could mean fewer opportunities for excitement and nightlife.
I also thought about other demographic factors like the percentage of the population over 65 years old (higher percentages can indicate a quieter lifestyle). Similarly, I looked at the percentage of households with kids and married couples; states with more families might have different priorities than those seeking out nightlife or entertainment. (Source: Worldpopulationreview, Zippa)
Finally, I heavily focused on the geographical area of each state. The more wide and flat area, the less interesting it would be.
So, based on these criteria, I ranked the 11 most boring states in the United States. The final step was averaging the rankings across all categories to determine an overall score for each state. The state with the lowest score ended up being labeled as the most boring.
11 Most Boring States in the US: A Quick Overview
Let’s take a look.
| Sr No | Most Boring States | Population Density | Overall Boring Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 529 people per square mile | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Kansas | 34.9 people per square mile | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 25.5 people per square mile | 8/10 |
| 4 | South Dakota | 10.7 people per square mile | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Iowa | 54.5 people per every square mile | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | North Dakota | 9.7 people per square mile | 9/10 |
| 7 | Minnesota | 68.9 people per square mile | 7/10 |
| 8 | Wyoming | 5.97 people per square mile | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | Arkansas | 57.9 people per square mile | 7/10 |
| 10 | Idaho | 22.3 people per square mile | 8/10 |
| 11 | Montana | 7.7 people per square mile | 8.9/10 |
1. Delaware
| Population Density | 529 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 1.03 million |
| % of Married Population | 47.9% |
| % of Population over 65 | 19.6% |
| No of cities | 79 |
| Overall Boring score | 8.9/10 |
First off, Delaware is the second smallest state in the U.S. It’s only about 96 miles long and ranges from 9 to 35 miles wide.
Plus, the population here is hardly around 1 million, to be precise. Besides that, this state is largely flat, which makes it less interesting, with almost no mountains or natural places.
2. Kansas
| Population Density | 34.9 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 2.94 million |
| % of Married Population | 51.1% |
| % of Population over 65 | 16.3% |
| No of cities | 726 |
| Overall Boring score | 8.5/10 |
Just a huge land area! I mean, when people think of Kansas, they usually picture endless flatlands and not much else. Seriously, it’s all about those wide-open prairies that stretch on forever.
Many people only think of it when they’re on a road trip and need to refuel or grab a snack. Unfortunately, that means it doesn’t get the attention it deserves for anything interesting.
3. Nebraska
| Population Density | 25.5 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 1.97 million |
| % of Married Population | 51.6% |
| % of Population over 65 | 16.2% |
| No of cities | 582 |
| Overall Boring score | 8/10 |
If you have ever heard someone say, “It’s just flyover country,” they’re probably talking about Nebraska. Nebraska is famously flat. I mean, when you drive through the state, it feels like you can see for miles and miles without any hills or mountains to break up the view. It’s pretty much a sea of cornfields and grasslands.
Well, if you ask me, if you are looking for excitement, you might want to keep driving.
4. South Dakota
| Population Density | 10.7 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 919,318 |
| % of Married Population | 51.1% |
| % of Population over 65 | 17.3% |
| No of cities | 436 |
| Overall Boring score | 7.5/10 |
South Dakota is known for its vast, flat plains and rolling hills. When you drive through the state, it can feel like you’re just going on and on without much to see.
Sure, there are some beautiful areas like the Black Hills and Badlands, but outside of those spots, much of the state is pretty flat and unchanging, which I think is pretty boring!
5. Iowa
| Population Density | 54.5 people per every square mile |
| Total Population | 3.207 million |
| % of Married Population | 51% |
| % of Population over 65 | 17.6% |
| No of cities | 1,022 |
| Overall Boring score | 7.2/10 |
This huge farmland has mostly cornfields and soybeans as far as the eye can see. No beaches, no mountains, just endless fields! Plus most of the population here is either married or aged.
I mean, yes, there are some annual events like the Iowa State Fair, which features livestock and fried food on a stick. But outside of that, there isn’t much else to draw people in. So, yes, Iowa is kind of boring when it comes to entertainment or adventure.
6. North Dakota
| Population Density | 9.7 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 783,926 |
| % of Married Population | 51.1% |
| % of Population over 65 | 15.9% |
| No of cities | 357 |
| Overall Boring score | 9/10 |
North Dakota is well known for its rural plains and sparse population. Just like others in this list, there is a huge monotony of fields and farmlands all over the state.
To be honest, North Dakota looks like a dry and still state where you can literally hear the buzzing of winds. In fact, there is a town like Wishek in North Dakota that has only around 850 residents and just three entertainment sports! That’s not exactly a recipe for excitement.
7. Minnesota
| Population Density | 68.9 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 5.738 million |
| % of Married Population | 51% |
| % of Population over 65 | 16.5% |
| No of cities | 913 |
| Overall Boring score | 7/10 |
Minnesota is literally “harsh winters and hot summers.” Yes, the weather here is so boring. I agree there are notable spots like Mall of America and lakes galore, but beyond that? It’s literally nothing!
While events like the Minnesota State Fair can be fun, they don’t happen year-round. Outside of these events, the options can feel limited, especially if you’re not into outdoor activities or shopping.
8. Wyoming
| Population Density | 5.97 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 584,057 |
| % of Married Population | 53.2% |
| % of Population over 65 | 17.5% |
| No of cities | 193 |
| Overall Boring score | 8.9/10 |
This is the most isolated state. All you will see are open spaces, prairies, and towing mountains but not much in between. With a population density that’s among the lowest in the country, there are more cows than people. You can imagine how quiet things can get.
Plus, with a lack of diversity in many areas, there isn’t much variety in terms of food or entertainment options.
9. Arkansas
| Population Density | 57.9 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 3.068 million |
| % of Married Population | 48.8% |
| % of Population over 65 | 17.2% |
| No of cities | 617 |
| Overall Boring score | 7/10 |
Arkansas’s economy is majorly focused on agriculture. While it does have some beautiful natural areas, like the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park, much of the state is made up of wide-open fields and small towns.
Here, a big night out might involve watching corn grow, counting passing tractors, and debating the merits of different types of rice (yes, rice – Arkansas is a top rice producer because, of course, it is). Plus, the poverty rate is notably high; at one point, nearly 18% of residents were living below the poverty line.
10. Idaho
| Population Density | 22.3 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 1.965 million |
| % of Married Population | 53.9% |
| % of Population over 65 | 16.3% |
| No of cities | 236 |
| Overall Boring score | 8/10 |
In Idaho, much of the state is dominated by wide-open fields and rural areas. Many towns are small and lack significant entertainment options. Even if you’re in Boise, which has a growing arts scene and some decent restaurants, it still feels like there’s a limit to what you can do for fun.
It has a relatively low population density and a high percentage of residents over 60 years old, which can create a quieter atmosphere overall.
11. Montana
| Population Density | 7.7 people per square mile |
| Total Population | 1.133 million |
| % of Married Population | 50.8% |
| % of Population over 65 | 19.4% |
| No of cities | 470 |
| Overall Boring score | 8.910 |
With just over a million people spread across an entire state, Montana is just a rural wide state. Towns here are so small that “downtown” is basically a gas station and a coffee shop.
Culturally speaking, Montana tends to lean toward traditional values and a slower pace of life. It is known for its conservative politics and social norms, which can feel stifling if you’re used to more progressive environments.
Wrap Up
So, that’s all with the most boring states in the United States. Now, I didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings here. And it’s not that these states are literally no fun. There are things in these states like cultural history, nature, and of course, resource production.
So yes, it’s not that these states lack charm or character; rather, they may not offer the same level of excitement or entertainment as others.
What are your thoughts on these states? Are they really boring? Did I miss any?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
