Explore Midwest states map showing all the states located in the Midwest part of the United States, The Midwest United States, often referred to as America's heartland, comprises 12 states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Known for its agricultural productivity, the region produces a significant portion of the nation’s corn, soybeans, and wheat. Major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis serve as economic and cultural hubs. The Midwest is characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from the Great Lakes to vast plains, and it plays a crucial role in the nation’s industry, education, and transportation networks.
Explore midwest states map to see the states located in the Midwestern United States of America.
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Population of Midwestern States
State
2010 census
2020 census
Change
Density
Area
Iowa
3,046,355
3,190,369
+4.73%
57/sq mi (22/km2)
55,857.09 sq mi (144,669.2 km2)
Kansas
2,853,118
2,937,880
+2.97%
36/sq mi (14/km2)
81,758.65 sq mi (211,753.9 km2)
Missouri
5,988,927
6,154,913
+2.77%
90/sq mi (35/km2)
68,741.47 sq mi (178,039.6 km2)
Nebraska
1,826,341
1,961,504
+7.4%
26/sq mi (10/km2)
76,824.11 sq mi (198,973.5 km2)
North Dakota
672,591
779,094
+15.83%
11/sq mi (4/km2)
69,000.74 sq mi (178,711.1 km2)
South Dakota
814,180
886,667
+8.9%
12/sq mi (5/km2)
75,810.94 sq mi (196,349.4 km2)
Great Plains
15,201,512
15,910,427
+4.66%
37/sq mi (14/km2)
427,993.00 sq mi (1,108,496.8 km2)
Illinois
12,830,632
12,812,508
−0.14%
231/sq mi (89/km2)
55,518.89 sq mi (143,793.3 km2)
Indiana
6,483,802
6,785,528
+4.65%
189/sq mi (73/km2)
35,826.08 sq mi (92,789.1 km2)
Michigan
9,883,640
10,077,331
+1.96%
178/sq mi (69/km2)
56,538.86 sq mi (146,435.0 km2)
Minnesota
5,303,925
5,706,494
+7.59%
72/sq mi (28/km2)
79,626.68 sq mi (206,232.2 km2)
Ohio
11,536,504
11,799,448
+2.28%
289/sq mi (111/km2)
40,860.66 sq mi (105,828.6 km2)
Wisconsin
5,686,986
5,893,718
+3.64%
109/sq mi (42/km2)
54,157.76 sq mi (140,268.0 km2)
Great Lakes
51,725,489
53,085,258
+2.63%
165/sq mi (64/km2)
322,528.93 sq mi (835,346.1 km2)
Total
66,927,001
68,995,685
+3.09%
92/sq mi (35/km2)
750,521.93 sq mi (1,943,842.9 km2)
Major Metropolitan Areas
Rank (USA)
Rank (Midwest)
MSA
Population
State(s)
3
1
Chicago
9,449,351
Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin
14
2
Detroit
4,392,041
Michigan
16
3
Minneapolis–Saint Paul
3,690,261
Minnesota, Wisconsin
21
4
St. Louis
2,820,253
Missouri, Illinois
30
5
Cincinnati
2,249,797
Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana
31
6
Kansas City
2,192,035
Missouri, Kansas
32
7
Cleveland
2,185,825
Ohio
33
8
Columbus
2,138,926
Ohio
34
9
Indianapolis
2,089,653
Indiana
40
10
Milwaukee
1,574,731
Wisconsin
51
11
Grand Rapids
1,150,015
Michigan
57
12
Omaha
967,604
Nebraska, Iowa
74
13
Dayton
814,049
Ohio
81
14
Des Moines
709,466
Iowa
85
15
Akron
702,219
Ohio
87
16
Madison
680,796
Wisconsin
90
17
Wichita
647,610
Kansas
96
18
Toledo
606,240
Ohio
Midwestern United States
The Midwest United States, often referred to as America’s heartland, consists of 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This region is characterized by its diverse economic activities, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The Midwest is known for its vast farmlands, producing significant quantities of corn, soybeans, and wheat, which are essential to both national and global food supplies.
Chicago, Illinois, serves as the Midwest’s primary economic hub, hosting major financial institutions and a thriving tech sector. Detroit, Michigan, remains an iconic center for the automotive industry, despite recent economic challenges. Minneapolis-St. Paul in Minnesota is another key metropolitan area, known for its high quality of life and robust healthcare and educational systems.
The region’s population is diverse, with large urban centers as well as rural communities. As of the most recent census data, the Midwest has a population of approximately 68 million people. The demographic trends show a mix of long-established communities and growing immigrant populations, contributing to the cultural richness of the area.
In terms of education, the Midwest is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan, which contribute significantly to research and innovation.
Transportation infrastructure in the Midwest is well-developed, with major highways, railways, and airports facilitating trade and travel. The region’s central location makes it a critical junction for cross-country logistics.
Environmental concerns are also prominent, as the Midwest faces challenges related to climate change, such as increased frequency of severe weather events and impacts on agriculture. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable practices and renewable energy sources to mitigate these issues.
History
The Midwest United States, often referred to as America's heartland, has a rich and complex history that has significantly shaped the nation's development. Spanning from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains, this region includes states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Early History and Native American Influence
Before European settlers arrived, the Midwest was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Ojibwa, Potawatomi, and Illinois Confederation. These tribes engaged in hunting, fishing, and agriculture, cultivating crops like corn, beans, and squash. They established complex societies with rich cultural traditions, which were later disrupted by European colonization.
European Exploration and Settlement
French explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, were among the first Europeans to explore the Midwest in the late 17th century. They navigated the region's rivers, establishing fur trade networks and missionary outposts. The French influence is still evident today in place names like Detroit and Des Moines.
In the 18th century, the Midwest became a contested region among European powers. Following the French and Indian War (1754-1763), France ceded its territories east of the Mississippi River to Britain. After the American Revolution, the Treaty of Paris (1783) transferred control of the Midwest to the newly formed United States.
Westward Expansion and the Frontier
The early 19th century saw a surge of westward expansion driven by the promise of fertile land. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a framework for settling the region, ensuring orderly development and the creation of new states. This era also saw the displacement of Native American tribes through treaties, warfare, and forced removal.
The construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the advent of railroads revolutionized transportation, facilitating the movement of people and goods. Cities like Chicago and Cincinnati emerged as vital transportation hubs, spurring economic growth and population booms.
The Civil War and Industrialization
The Midwest played a crucial role in the Civil War (1861-1865), providing troops, food, and supplies to the Union Army. The region's agricultural output was vital to sustaining the war effort. Post-war, the Midwest underwent rapid industrialization, with cities like Detroit becoming centers of manufacturing, particularly in the automotive industry.
Immigration and Cultural Diversity
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought waves of immigrants from Europe, including Germans, Irish, Scandinavians, and Eastern Europeans. These immigrants contributed to the region's cultural diversity and economic growth, establishing vibrant communities and enriching the cultural fabric of the Midwest.
The Great Depression and World War II
The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the Midwest hard, devastating agriculture and industry. The Dust Bowl further exacerbated the plight of farmers, leading to mass migrations. However, the region's fortunes revived during World War II, as Midwestern factories produced essential war materials and the economy rebounded.
Post-War Boom and Modern Challenges
The post-war era saw continued economic prosperity and suburban expansion. The interstate highway system, initiated in the 1950s, further connected the Midwest to the rest of the country. However, the latter part of the 20th century brought challenges, including deindustrialization, the decline of manufacturing, and urban decay in cities like Detroit.
Contemporary Midwest
Today, the Midwest remains a vital part of the United States, known for its agricultural output, manufacturing, and educational institutions. The region is also facing modern challenges, such as adapting to technological changes, addressing economic disparities, and managing environmental concerns like climate change and pollution.
Geography
The Midwest United States, often referred to as the nation’s heartland, boasts a diverse and expansive geography that has played a crucial role in shaping its history, economy, and culture. This region comprises 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The geography of the Midwest is characterized by a variety of landforms, climates, and natural resources, making it a vital area for agriculture, industry, and transportation.
Topography and Landforms
The Midwest is predominantly defined by its vast plains and rolling hills. The Great Plains, extending through the western portion of the region, are known for their flat, expansive landscapes, which are ideal for large-scale agriculture. The Central Lowlands, another significant feature, cover much of the Midwest and are characterized by gently rolling terrain and fertile soils, which have made this area one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
The Appalachian Plateau touches the eastern part of the Midwest, particularly in Ohio. This area includes more rugged terrain and is known for its forested hills and valleys. In contrast, the northern part of the Midwest, particularly in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, features numerous lakes and forests, remnants of the last glacial period. The Great Lakes themselves—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—form one of the most significant freshwater systems in the world, profoundly influencing the climate and economy of the surrounding areas.
Climate
The climate of the Midwest varies significantly from north to south and east to west. The region generally experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. However, the Great Plains in the western part of the Midwest have a more semi-arid climate, with less precipitation and more extreme temperature variations.
The northern Midwest, including states like Minnesota and North Dakota, experiences harsh winters with significant snowfall and frigid temperatures. Conversely, the southern Midwest, including Missouri and southern Illinois, has milder winters and longer growing seasons, which are conducive to a variety of agricultural activities.
Rivers and Waterways
The Midwest is traversed by some of the most important river systems in North America. The Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows from its source in Minnesota southward to the Gulf of Mexico, serving as a critical artery for transportation, commerce, and agriculture. The Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi, runs through states such as Missouri and Kansas, further enhancing the region’s navigability and economic potential.
The Ohio River, forming the southern boundary of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, is another significant waterway. It provides a natural border and has historically been a crucial route for migration and trade.
Natural Resources and Agriculture
The fertile soils of the Midwest, particularly in the Central Lowlands, have made it one of the leading agricultural regions in the world. The region is often referred to as the Corn Belt due to its high production of corn. Soybeans, wheat, and dairy products are also significant agricultural outputs. The flat terrain and rich soils are conducive to large-scale farming operations, which have become increasingly mechanized over the past century.
In addition to agriculture, the Midwest has substantial mineral resources. The region was historically known for its coal production, particularly in Illinois and Ohio. Iron ore from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota has been vital to the U.S. steel industry. The Great Lakes region, with its abundant water resources, has supported significant industrial and manufacturing activities, particularly in states like Michigan and Ohio.
Urbanization and Transportation
The geography of the Midwest has also influenced its urban development. Major cities like Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, and St. Louis have developed around key waterways and transportation hubs. Chicago, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a critical national and international transportation hub, with extensive rail, road, and air connections.
The Midwest’s central location has made it a crucial transportation corridor, with numerous highways, railways, and airports facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country. The region’s waterways, including the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and the Great Lakes, continue to play a vital role in shipping and transportation.
Environmental Considerations
The Midwest faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion, water pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The region’s reliance on agriculture has led to concerns about sustainable farming practices and the preservation of natural habitats. Efforts to address these issues include soil conservation programs, water quality initiatives, and the promotion of renewable energy sources such as wind and biofuels.
Economy
The Midwest United States, often referred to as America’s heartland, plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy. This region encompasses 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The economy of the Midwest is diverse, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, services, and technology, with each sector contributing significantly to the region's overall economic health.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Midwest economy. The region is known as the Corn Belt, producing over a third of the nation’s corn. Iowa and Illinois are the top corn-producing states. The Midwest also leads in soybean production, with Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota being major contributors. The rich, fertile soil of the Central Lowlands is ideal for these crops, and advanced farming techniques have boosted productivity.
Dairy farming is significant in states like Wisconsin, known as “America’s Dairyland.” Wisconsin produces a large portion of the nation's cheese and other dairy products. Livestock farming, particularly beef and pork, is also prominent in states like Kansas and Nebraska. The Midwest's agricultural output supports a vast network of food processing and distribution industries, making it a critical part of the national and global food supply chain.
Manufacturing
The Midwest has a long history of manufacturing, particularly in the automotive, steel, and machinery sectors. Michigan, particularly Detroit, is synonymous with the American automotive industry. Major car manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) have headquarters or significant operations in the region. Ohio and Indiana also have substantial automotive manufacturing sectors, producing parts and vehicles.
The steel industry is concentrated around the Great Lakes, with cities like Gary, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, being key players. These industries have historically provided numerous jobs and have driven the economic development of the region. Although manufacturing employment has declined due to automation and global competition, it remains a significant economic force.
Technology and Innovation
In recent years, the Midwest has seen growth in technology and innovation. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Columbus have become tech hubs, attracting startups and established tech companies. Chicago's tech sector, particularly in areas like financial technology (FinTech) and health tech, has grown significantly. Minneapolis is known for medical technology, with companies like Medtronic and Boston Scientific leading the way.
The Midwest’s universities and research institutions play a crucial role in fostering innovation. Institutions like the University of Michigan, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois are at the forefront of research in engineering, biotechnology, and information technology. These institutions collaborate with the private sector to drive technological advancements and economic growth.
Energy and Natural Resources
The Midwest is rich in natural resources, contributing to the energy sector. Coal mining, particularly in Illinois and Indiana, has been a traditional source of energy. However, the region is also moving towards renewable energy sources. Wind energy is significant in states like Iowa and Minnesota, which are among the top producers of wind power in the country. The Great Plains provide ideal conditions for wind farms, and investments in this sector are growing.
Ethanol production, primarily from corn, is another key component of the Midwest's energy economy. Iowa is the leading producer of ethanol, which is used as a renewable fuel source. The region's focus on renewable energy is part of a broader effort to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Services and Retail
The service sector is a major employer in the Midwest, encompassing education, healthcare, finance, and retail. Healthcare is particularly prominent, with major medical centers and hospital systems in cities like Cleveland, home to the Cleveland Clinic, and Rochester, Minnesota, home to the Mayo Clinic. These institutions not only provide healthcare but also engage in cutting-edge medical research.
Retail is another significant sector, with major retailers like Target headquartered in Minneapolis. The Midwest is home to several large retail and consumer goods companies that operate both nationally and internationally.
Transportation and Logistics
The Midwest’s central location makes it a critical transportation and logistics hub. Chicago is a major national and international transportation center, with extensive rail, road, and air networks. The Great Lakes and Mississippi River provide vital waterways for shipping goods. The region’s infrastructure supports the movement of agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other commodities, making it essential for the national economy.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
The Midwest faces several economic challenges, including the decline of traditional manufacturing jobs and population loss in some areas. However, the region is adapting by investing in education, technology, and infrastructure to create new opportunities. Workforce development programs are being implemented to retrain workers for jobs in growing industries like technology and renewable energy.
