Demographics

Alaska vs California: Population Density

California is more densely populated than Alaska.

Alaska flag
Alaska
AK · West
1.1 per sq mi
Number of residents per square mile.
California flag
California
CA · West
Winner
240.4 per sq mi
Number of residents per square mile.

Visual comparison

Alaska1.1 per sq mi
California240.4 per sq mi

Difference: 239.3 per sq mi — California leads.

National Rankings

Where They Rank Nationally

See where both states fall among all 50 states for population density.

Alaska #50 · 1.1 per sq mi
California #11 · 240.4 per sq mi
Lowest Highest

Top 10 States — Population Density

#1 New Jersey flag New Jersey
1,099.4 per sq mi
#2 Rhode Island flag Rhode Island
724.0 per sq mi
#3 Massachusetts flag Massachusetts
679.3 per sq mi
#4 Connecticut flag Connecticut
668.0 per sq mi
#5 Maryland flag Maryland
506.6 per sq mi
#6 Delaware flag Delaware
429.8 per sq mi
#7 New York flag New York
366.7 per sq mi
#8 Florida flag Florida
359.8 per sq mi
#9 Pennsylvania flag Pennsylvania
283.9 per sq mi
#10 Ohio flag Ohio
266.4 per sq mi
Selected states
#50 Alaska flag Alaska
1.1 per sq mi
#11 California flag California
240.4 per sq mi

Alaska ranks 50th and California ranks 11th nationally for population density.

Related context

Density in Context

Population density shapes commutes, housing costs, and the feel of daily life.

MetricAlaskaCalifornia
Population 733,391 39,538,223 Land Area 663,268 sq mi 163,696 sq mi Median Home Value $316,400 $693,700 Violent Crime / 100k 837.8 499.5 Cost of Living Index 125.8 138.5

What this means

Alaska vs California: Population Density in context

California's population density is 240.4 per sq mi, compared with 1.1 per sq mi in Alaska — roughly 218.5× the Alaska figure. Number of residents per square mile.

Alaska
1.1 per sq mi
California
240.4 per sq mi
Difference
239.3 per sq mi

People also ask

Alaska vs California Population Density — common questions

QWhat is Alaska's population density?

Alaska's population density is 1.1 per sq mi.

QWhat is California's population density?

California's population density is 240.4 per sq mi.

QWhich state has a higher population density — Alaska or California?

California is more densely populated than Alaska.

QHow much more population density does California have compared to Alaska?

239.3 per sq mi.

More comparisons: Alaska vs California

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Full comparison
Population Bachelor's Degree Advanced Degree Net Domestic Migration Population Growth Since 2020

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Data source and freshness

Primary source
U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 Census and TIGER/Line
Data period
2020 population and land area
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Calculated as population divided by land area.