Geography
Arizona vs California: Statehood
California became a state before Arizona.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for statehood.
Arizona
#48 · February 14, 1912 (#48)
California
#31 · September 9, 1850 (#31)
Best
Worst
10 Best States — Statehood
Lower is better
#1
Delaware
December 7, 1787 (#1)
Delaware
#2
Pennsylvania
December 12, 1787 (#2)
Pennsylvania
#3
New Jersey
December 18, 1787 (#3)
New Jersey
#4
Georgia
January 2, 1788 (#4)
Georgia
#5
Connecticut
January 9, 1788 (#5)
Connecticut
#6
Massachusetts
February 6, 1788 (#6)
Massachusetts
#7
Maryland
April 28, 1788 (#7)
Maryland
#8
South Carolina
May 23, 1788 (#8)
South Carolina
#9
New Hampshire
June 21, 1788 (#9)
New Hampshire
#10
Virginia
June 25, 1788 (#10)
Virginia
Selected states
#48
Arizona
February 14, 1912 (#48)
Arizona
#31
California
September 9, 1850 (#31)
California
Arizona ranks 48th and California ranks 31st nationally for statehood.
Related context
Historical Context
The statehood order mirrors westward expansion and regional settlement history.
What this means
Arizona vs California: Statehood in context
California's statehood is September 9, 1850 (#31), compared with February 14, 1912 (#48) in Arizona. When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.
Arizona
February 14, 1912 (#48)
California
September 9, 1850 (#31)
People also ask
Arizona vs California Statehood — common questions
QWhat is Arizona's statehood?
Arizona's statehood is February 14, 1912 (#48).
QWhat is California's statehood?
California's statehood is September 9, 1850 (#31).
QWhich state has a lower statehood — Arizona or California?
California became a state before Arizona.
More comparisons: Arizona vs California
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Data source and freshness
Primary source
Data period
Historical reference data
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Historical or civic reference field.