Demographics

California vs Massachusetts: Population Density

Massachusetts is more densely populated than California.

California flag
California
CA · West
240.4 per sq mi
Number of residents per square mile.
Massachusetts flag
Massachusetts
MA · Northeast
Winner
679.3 per sq mi
Number of residents per square mile.

Visual comparison

California240.4 per sq mi
Massachusetts679.3 per sq mi

Difference: 438.9 per sq mi — Massachusetts leads.

National Rankings

Where They Rank Nationally

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

California #11 · 240.4 per sq mi
Massachusetts #3 · 679.3 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
#11 California flag California
240.4 per sq mi

California ranks 11th and Massachusetts ranks 3rd nationally for population density.

Related context

Density in Context

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

What this means

California vs Massachusetts: Population Density in context

Massachusetts's population density is 679.3 per sq mi, compared with 240.4 per sq mi in California — roughly 2.8× the California figure. Number of residents per square mile.

California
240.4 per sq mi
Massachusetts
679.3 per sq mi
Difference
438.9 per sq mi

People also ask

California vs Massachusetts Population Density — common questions

QWhat is California's population density?

California's population density is 240.4 per sq mi.

QWhat is Massachusetts's population density?

Massachusetts's population density is 679.3 per sq mi.

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

Massachusetts is more densely populated than California.

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

438.9 per sq mi.

More comparisons: California vs Massachusetts

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

Full comparison

Data source and freshness

Data period
2020 population and land area
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Calculated as population divided by land area.