Alaska vs California: Statehood
California became a state before Alaska.
Visual Comparison
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for statehood.
10 Best States — Statehood
Lower is better
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Georgia
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Maryland
South Carolina
New Hampshire
Virginia
Alaska
California
Alaska ranks 49th and California ranks 31st nationally for statehood.
Related Context
Historical Context
The statehood order mirrors westward expansion and regional settlement history.
What This Means
Alaska vs California: Statehood in context
California has a statehood of September 9, 1850 (#31), compared with January 3, 1959 (#49) in Alaska. When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.
People Also Ask
Alaska vs California Statehood — Common Questions
Q What is Alaska's statehood?
Alaska's statehood is January 3, 1959 (#49).
Q What is California's statehood?
California's statehood is September 9, 1850 (#31).
Q Which state has a lower statehood — Alaska or California?
California became a state before Alaska.
More Comparisons: Alaska vs California
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Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.