The Distance of States’ Capitals From Their Centers of Population and Geographical Centers

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The location of state capitals in the United States exhibits a variety of geographic patterns and considerations. These patterns can be influenced by historical, economic, political, and geographical factors.

Many state capitals are strategically located to ensure relatively easy accessibility from various parts of the state. This centrality helps to facilitate government operations and make it convenient for residents and officials from different regions to reach the capital.

The Distance of States’ Capitals From Their Geographical Centers

The capital of New Jersey, Trenton, is located closest to the geographic center of the state. The distance from Trenton to the geographical center of the state is only 5 miles or 8 kilometers.

U.S. State capital located most distant from their geographical center:

1. Ankoridge (Alaska) – 712 miles/1146 kilometres
2. Medison (Wisconsin) – 190 miles/306 kilometres
3. Lincoln (Nebraska) – 168 miles/271 kilometres
4. Carson City (Nevada) – 168 miles/271 kilometres
5. Tallahassee (Florida) – 167 miles/268 kilometres
6. Topeka (Kansas) – 151 miles/242 kilometres
7. Sacramento (California) – 147 miles/236 kilometres
8. Salem (Oregon) – 141 miles/225 kilometres
9. Austin (Texas) – 126 miles/203 kilometres
10. Lansing (Michigan) – 119 miles/192 kilometres

Some state capitals are situated near major cities or economic centers. This may be due to the historical significance of certain urban areas, as well as the desire to connect government functions with economic activities.

Distance of States’ capitals from their centers of population

Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is located closest to the state’s center of population. The distance from the city of Colombia to the state’s center of the population of the state is only 2 miles or 4 kilometers.

U.S. State capital located most distant from their population center:

1. Ankoridge (Alaska) – 544 miles/875 kilometres
2. Sacramento (California) – 246 miles/397 kilometres
3. Carson City (Nevada) – 243 miles/396 kilometres
4. Tallahassee (Florida) – 388 miles/388 kilometres
5. Medison (Wisconsin) – 156 miles/251 kilometres
6. Springfield (Illinois) – 123 miles/198 kilometres
7. Albany (New York) – 91 miles/146 kilometres
8. Bismarck (North Dakota) – 79 miles/127 kilometres
9. Santa Fe (New Mexico) – 77 miles/123 kilometres
10. Pierre (South Dakota) – 71 miles/115 kilometres

You can learn more about American cities from the following books and atlases:

• The Family Tree Historical Atlas of American Cities
• 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America’s cities with 50 fact-filled maps
• U.S. States and Capitals Workbook