Geography

California vs Massachusetts: Statehood

Massachusetts became a state before California.

California flag
California
CA · West
September 9, 1850 (#31)
When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.
Massachusetts flag
Massachusetts
MA · Northeast
Winner
February 6, 1788 (#6)
When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.

Visual comparison

CaliforniaSeptember 9, 1850 (#31)
MassachusettsFebruary 6, 1788 (#6)

National Rankings

Where They Rank Nationally

See where both states fall among all 50 states for statehood.

California #31 · September 9, 1850 (#31)
Massachusetts #6 · February 6, 1788 (#6)
Best Worst

10 Best States — Statehood

Lower is better
#1 Delaware flag Delaware
December 7, 1787 (#1)
#2 Pennsylvania flag Pennsylvania
December 12, 1787 (#2)
#3 New Jersey flag New Jersey
December 18, 1787 (#3)
#4 Georgia flag Georgia
January 2, 1788 (#4)
#5 Connecticut flag Connecticut
January 9, 1788 (#5)
#6 Massachusetts flag Massachusetts
February 6, 1788 (#6)
#7 Maryland flag Maryland
April 28, 1788 (#7)
#8 South Carolina flag South Carolina
May 23, 1788 (#8)
#9 New Hampshire flag New Hampshire
June 21, 1788 (#9)
#10 Virginia flag Virginia
June 25, 1788 (#10)
Selected states
#31 California flag California
September 9, 1850 (#31)

California ranks 31st and Massachusetts ranks 6th nationally for statehood.

Related context

Historical Context

The statehood order mirrors westward expansion and regional settlement history.

MetricCaliforniaMassachusetts
Capital Sacramento Boston Population 39,538,223 7,029,917 Land Area 163,696 sq mi 10,554 sq mi State Color Solid Blue Solid Blue

What this means

California vs Massachusetts: Statehood in context

Massachusetts's statehood is February 6, 1788 (#6), compared with September 9, 1850 (#31) in California. When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.

California
September 9, 1850 (#31)
Massachusetts
February 6, 1788 (#6)

People also ask

California vs Massachusetts Statehood — common questions

QWhat is California's statehood?

California's statehood is September 9, 1850 (#31).

QWhat is Massachusetts's statehood?

Massachusetts's statehood is February 6, 1788 (#6).

QWhich state has a lower statehood — California or Massachusetts?

Massachusetts became a state before California.

More comparisons: California vs Massachusetts

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Full comparison
Land Area Highest Point Capital City Region

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Data source and freshness

Primary source
National Archives and state government references
Data period
Historical reference data
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Historical or civic reference field.