There’s a map for just about everything these days. Whether you’re looking for the next place to call home or are just curious about the world around you, there’s a map for your interests.
The following maps of the United States show that there is a category for just about anything. Some states are broken down into counties while others are displayed as a whole. Either way, prepare to be doused with some interesting tidbits about the U.S. of A.
Don’t worry. There won’t be an exam at the end. Just make sure to share the knowledge!
1. Date of creation of all 3,142 U.S. Counties
This is a pretty detailed and fascinating map. It’s amazing to see the addition of counties dating back to 1617 to modern day. When was your county created?
2. How states utilize their land
Wowzers! It’s so interesting to see the small portion on the map that indicates the food we eat. Perhaps we expand on that and Christmas trees?
3. Education spending map
Yikes. There’s definitely room for improvement. It’s well-known that schools oftentimes struggle with funding. Educating the nation’s youth is essential. Hopefully this map will look different in the (very) near future.
4. Most common surnames by state
Did you see this coming? Surely the prevalence of these last names in these areas tell a story. Many people in the comments had some interesting theories as to why this map looks the way it does.
5. Use of the word ‘dang’ in the U.S.
“Dang it, Bobby!” Need we say more?
If you know your maps you might recognize that the parts shaded red is considered the Bible Belt. Limit those curse words!
6. Average Size of US Apartments by Region
It looks like the south and the southeast provide some pretty spacious apartments. Not to mention, those areas are not as crowded as places like California and New York. Anybody else considering moving?
7. How much snow does it usually take to cancel schools?
The accuracy! People know that if it snows in the south and in the west, things shut down — and quick. Though it takes more snow to see school closures up north, heavy snowfall is more common in those parts.
The never-ending great debate. It can go on forever and it pretty much has. If you’ve moved and called a soft drink by the wrong name, it was probably some time before you heard the end of it.
9. Most common country of birth for foreign-born citizens other than Mexico
Now this might not have been what you were expecting. How cool is this? If Mexico wasn’t excluded, the number of states with foreign-born people from Mexico would be 32.
10. Light pollution by state
If you’re hoping to gaze at some stars, it’s best to head west. Of course, stars are still visible from other areas. However, some areas are just less polluted than others resulting in a much clearer sky.
11. Tree cover map of the US
Look at all of those trees! When people think about the east coast, many think city life. But this map shows that the east coast has so much more to offer than cold weather and traffic.
12. Portion of each state that is federal land
This map of federal land in each state is quite surprising. The federal government owns a vast amount of land out west. A lot of federal land is used for the conservation of agriculture. However, it is also used for resource extraction.
13. Fast food restaurants per 10,000 people
It isn’t a secret that fast food restaurants aren’t the best for our health. This map is a startling visualization of the excessive number of fast food restaurants there are in the U.S. This map is from 2013.
14. States with a smaller population than LA County
LA’s population is one of the highest in the U.S. Just look at this map. Would you flock to LA to live in the city of angels?
15. States’ favorite fast food during quarantine
If you’ve been eating out, how accurate is this for you? Popeyes is holding strong in Louisiana. It’s always nice to have the support of home! Sorry In-N-Out.
16. The most efficient route between every Springfield in the United States
Who wouldn’t want to know how to get to Springfield? After all, it’s where the Simpsons reside! We just have to figure out which Springfield it is…
17. Life expectancy by county
A map from 2018. Don’t panic. There are a lot of factors that go into how long a person lives. The best thing anyone can do is take care of themselves!
18. Most common spoken language other than English and Spanish
These maps just keep getting more and more interesting. Certainly, this couldn’t have been predicted. Maybe it’s time to brush up on some German.
There’s no doubt that PBS plays an intricate role in educational programs. They do a tremendous job of keeping the public informed. The U.S. could sure benefit from more stations though.
20. US States scaled proportionally to population density
What a disparity in the west. This map is great for those looking to get away from dense areas. Does any state surprise you?
21. U.S. governors by eye color
It looks pretty split between brown eyes and blue eyes. Of course, there is only one “green” state. Green eyes are actually quite rare. Only
2% of the population has them.
22. Regions that don’t officially celebrate Christopher Columbus Day
Growing up, you might remember acknowledging Christopher Columbus Day in school. However, things are beginning to change. Can you spot the tiny yellow areas?
We saw the tree population in the U.S. in a previous slide. Now, compare that to the different species of trees those areas have. Maps are pretty neat.
24. Waffle House locations
If you haven’t been to a Waffle House… what are you waiting for?! It’s a must-try. We could always use more of them throughout the United States. They have the most amazing waffles!
25. Bodies of water in the continental U.S.
The U.S. is
7% water! Michigan is a whopping 41%! There’s just something about this map that feels relaxing. Beach day, anyone?
26. Drug overdose deaths in the United States per 100,000 persons for 1999 and 2014
Drugs are a tremendous problem in the United States. These two maps show just how much of an epidemic that it has become. Today, there are very few places in the country that haven’t been affected by drugs.
27. The most popular shows by state
Do you watch the show in your state? It’s okay if you don’t. It just makes you a rebel. Some of these shows are just so annoyingly perfect for their state. Nashville… Really?
28. The U.S. from the Alaskan perspective
Unfortunately, Alaska is a forgotten state for some. Which is why this map is just so darn perfect. While Alaska and Hawaii are often left off of many people’s maps (just look through the slides), this map puts Alaska right in the center.
29. Out of service railways
Remember when the railroad system was one of the most common ways to travel? Unfortunately, many of those railways have long since been forgotten. It would be pretty cool to get these up and running again. At least preserved.
30. US Counties with GDP over $100B
It’s safe to say that some counties are thriving. Can you guess the source of wealth for any of them? Michigan might be one of the easier ones to name.
31. Lowest recorded temperature in each State
Looking at Alaska is bound to send shivers down your spine! It’s a wonder how they do it. On the other end of the spectrum, Florida doesn’t seem to get very chilly at all.
32. Results of the 1984 United States Presidential election by county.
“The most lopsided election in history, the only state Reagan failed to win was his opponent’s, Minnesota.” This is quite alarming. Nowadays, we’re used to seeing more of a split.
33. Minimum wage by state
Pressure has been mounting over the years to raise the minimum wage. The debate will likely be an ongoing one as states continue to assess what is the best option for them. Clearly, many states have decided to raise their wages in recent years.
34. States residents’ desire to move to a different state
This might come as a shock. Granted, this survey is from 2013. In recent years, more and more people are
choosing to leave California for other states. However, many people are still proud to call Texas home.
35. Garbage can vs. trash can
It’s no secret that different regions have their own ways of naming things. Hence the ‘soda, coke, and pop’ debate. Apparently, garbage can and trash can are pretty debatable as well.
36. Relative value of $100
How far does your money go? It’s a question that we commonly ask ourselves, particularly when choosing where to live. Do any of these shock you?
37. How a ‘Brit’ sees the U.S.
One ‘Brit’ decided to sum up how they saw each state in the U.S. Are they wrong? They might not be alone when it comes to the green states. We all might have struggled with learning those states on a map at some point or another.
38. Popular coffee shop chains by number of locations
Starbucks truly is everywhere. If you don’t believe us, or this map, just drive around. Dunkin’ Donuts is still a top contender, particularly on the east coast. Will anybody be able to knock Starbucks from the top spot?
39. Red and orange areas have equal populations
Those orange areas are where the cities tend to be. Which usually means density is pretty high as well. The states shaded in red contain a lot more rural areas, thus less people.
What a nice tidbit! It’s a wonder how they chose to divvy up the zones. Now, whenever you hear of an air traffic control zone, you’ll have a better idea of what they mean.
41. Every state’s least favorite state
This isn’t based on research! It’s simply a poll one Instagram user decided to give their followers. Do you think the California hate is real?
42. Voters who didn’t vote for Hillary or Trump
There were a great number of people who didn’t vote for Clinton or Trump in 2016. What’s unique are the states in red and green. These maps often show a great divide based on region.
43. Watersheds in the U.S.
It’s easy to become mesmerized by this map! If you don’t know what a watershed is, you’re not alone. According to
Oxford Dictionary, watersheds are “an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.”
This map gives us a different perspective of population lines. To get a better view of it, check out the interactive version
here.
45. The loudest and quietest places in the continental US
Anybody else notice that the western area of the United States is looking more and more appealing? It’s surprising to see where some of the yellow is located. Use this map as your guide for your next quiet getaway.
46. United States’ 8 million miles of roads, streets and highways (minus Hawaii and Alaska)…
Okay, so this map looks pretty cool. It’s eye-opening to see the vast amount of lines in the cities. Too bad Alaska and Hawaii aren’t included though.
47. U.S. counties with In-N-Out Burger as of May 2020
And they’re still growing! Will they ever expand beyond the west coast? Clearly, Texas received an invitation. Surely, they face some fierce competition with Whataburger.
48. USA country map divided by 1/3rds of COVID deaths
Of course, this map is constantly changing. Fortunately, New York is doing better. However, other states have been hit very hard after reopening.
49. More people live inside the red area than the grey area
Hooray! Alaska and Hawaii are included! Who would have thought that the population in some of these areas would be so high?
50. Population of people born outside the U.S.
It’s always interesting to see the number of people who were born outside of the U.S. by state. Do you find any of these surprising?
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There’s a map for just about everything these days. Whether you’re looking for the next place to call home or are just curious about the world around you, there’s a map for your interests.
The following maps of the United States show that there is a category for just about anything. Some states are broken down into counties while others are displayed as a whole. Either way, prepare to be doused with some interesting tidbits about the U.S. of A.
Don’t worry. There won’t be an exam at the end. Just make sure to share the knowledge!
