Youngest States in the US: The 15 Most Youthful States by Population in 2024
Utah has the youngest population in America with a median age of just 32.3 years—nearly 6 years younger than the national average. Alaska, North Dakota, and Texas follow closely behind. These young states are economic powerhouses, driving innovation and growth while older states struggle with aging populations. Here's why these 15 youngest states in the US are America's future.
Quick Answer: Which State Has the Youngest Population?
Top 5 Youngest States by Median Age (2024)
- 1. Utah: 32.3 years (29% under 18)
- 2. Alaska: 35.6 years (23% under 18)
- 3. North Dakota: 36.4 years (22% under 18)
- 4. Nebraska: 37.4 years (24% under 18)
- 5. Texas: 35.5 years (26% under 18)
Complete Ranking: 15 States With Youngest Population
| Rank | State | Median Age | % Under 18 | % 18-34 | Total Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 32.3 | 29.1% | 24.2% | 994,141 |
| 2 | Alaska | 35.6 | 22.9% | 22.1% | 167,918 |
| 3 | Texas | 35.5 | 25.8% | 23.4% | 7,869,351 |
| 4 | North Dakota | 36.4 | 22.0% | 21.8% | 172,464 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 37.4 | 23.9% | 20.7% | 472,833 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 37.5 | 24.1% | 20.3% | 976,921 |
| 7 | Georgia | 37.5 | 23.7% | 22.1% | 2,613,929 |
| 8 | Colorado | 37.5 | 21.8% | 22.9% | 1,281,149 |
| 9 | Idaho | 37.5 | 25.4% | 19.8% | 499,040 |
| 10 | Kansas | 37.9 | 24.0% | 20.1% | 705,731 |
| 11 | South Dakota | 38.0 | 23.7% | 19.5% | 217,818 |
| 12 | Louisiana | 38.1 | 23.0% | 21.4% | 1,051,963 |
| 13 | Washington | 38.1 | 21.2% | 22.3% | 1,656,198 |
| 14 | Wyoming | 39.7 | 22.4% | 18.7% | 130,849 |
| 15 | California | 37.8 | 21.9% | 22.0% | 8,548,254 |
Why Utah Has America's Youngest Population
Utah stands out dramatically with a median age of just 32.3 years. This isn't coincidence—it's the result of unique cultural, economic, and demographic factors that create a perfect storm for youth population growth.
The Mormon Factor: High Birth Rates
Utah has the highest birth rate in America at 13.9 births per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 10.9. The dominant LDS (Mormon) culture values large families, resulting in an average of 2.4 children per woman—well above replacement level. This creates a broad base of young people that keeps the median age low.
Economic Boom Attracts Young Professionals
Utah's tech sector explosion draws young workers from across the country. Companies like Adobe, eBay, and Oracle have major operations there, while startups thrive in the "Silicon Slopes." The state's 3.1% unemployment rate and growing job market attracts millennials and Gen Z workers seeking opportunity.
Affordable Living for Young Families
Despite rapid growth, Utah remains more affordable than coastal tech hubs. Young families can actually buy homes, unlike in San Francisco or Seattle. This economic accessibility allows young people to stay and raise families rather than being priced out.
Utah by the Numbers
- • 29.1% under 18 (highest in US)
- • 53.3% under 35 (highest in US)
- • Birth rate: 13.9 per 1,000 (highest in US)
- • GDP growth: 4.2% annually (top 5 nationally)
- • Population growth: 5.4% since 2020 (2nd highest)
The Youth Advantage: Why Young States Dominate
States with youngest populations consistently outperform older states in economic growth, innovation, and adaptation. This "youth dividend" creates powerful advantages:
Economic Powerhouses
The 15 youngest states averaged 2.8% GDP growth over the past decade, compared to just 1.2% for the 15 oldest states. Young populations drive consumption, housing demand, and business formation. They're also more adaptable to economic disruption and technological change.
Innovation Hubs
Young states lead in patent applications, startup formation, and tech adoption. Utah files 285 patents per 100,000 people annually—triple the rate of aging states like Maine or Vermont. Young populations embrace new technologies and drive entrepreneurship.
Fiscal Health
Young workers pay more in taxes than they consume in services, while retirees are the opposite. Utah and Texas have budget surpluses and low debt loads. Meanwhile, aging states struggle with pension obligations and rising healthcare costs.
Regional Patterns: Where Youth Concentrates
Mountain West: The Youth Magnet
Average median age: 36.8 years
- • Utah, Colorado, Idaho all under 38
- • Tech boom attracting young workers
- • Outdoor lifestyle appeals to millennials
- • Lower cost of living than coasts
Energy States: Young Workers
Average median age: 36.7 years
- • North Dakota, Alaska oil boom jobs
- • High-paying careers attract youth
- • Male-heavy demographics
- • Economic cycles affect migration
Sun Belt: Growth Magnets
Average median age: 37.2 years
- • Texas, Georgia leading growth
- • Corporate relocations bringing jobs
- • Affordable housing for families
- • Pro-business environments
Agricultural States: Mixed
Average median age: 37.9 years
- • Nebraska, Kansas relatively young
- • Rural areas aging, cities growing
- • Agricultural colleges retain some youth
- • Limited economic opportunities
Texas: The Young Giant
Texas deserves special attention as the third youngest state with massive scale. Its 30.5 million residents make it larger than many countries, and 25.8% are under 18. Texas combines youth with economic power in ways that reshape America:
Texas Youth Statistics
Population Under 35: 49.9%
That's 15.2 million young people—more than the entire population of Pennsylvania
Annual Growth: +1.6%
Texas adds 470,000 people yearly—like adding a new Austin every year
Economic Impact: $2.4 trillion GDP
Young workforce drives economy larger than Canada's
Birth Rate: 12.8 per 1,000
Well above national average, ensuring continued youth
Migration Patterns: Young People Vote With Their Feet
Where Young Americans Are Moving
Young adults (22-35) are driving America's great migration from expensive, aging states to affordable, growing ones. The data shows clear patterns:
- Net gainers: Texas (+68,000 young adults annually), Florida (+45,000), Colorado (+32,000)
- Net losers: California (-78,000 young adults annually), New York (-56,000), Illinois (-42,000)
- Biggest draws: Job opportunities, housing affordability, lifestyle quality
- Biggest repellers: High costs, limited opportunities, aging populations
The Great Rebalancing
This migration is historically significant. For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, young Americans are fleeing expensive coastal cities for interior and southern states. This rebalancing will define America's future demographics and economics.
Economic Impact of Youth Populations
Consumer Spending Power
Young populations drive consumer spending. Adults 25-44 spend $67,000 annually on average—more than any other age group. States with youngest populations see robust retail, housing, and service sectors as young families build their lives.
Housing Market Dynamics
Young states experience intense housing demand as millennials and Gen Z enter prime home-buying years. Utah housing prices rose 89% since 2019, while Idaho saw 95% increases. This creates wealth for existing homeowners but challenges affordability.
Tax Base Expansion
Young workers pay more in taxes than they consume in services. Utah collects $8,200 per capita in state and local taxes while spending only $7,100 per capita—a surplus driven by its young population. Aging states face the opposite math.
Cultural and Social Factors
Family-Friendly Policies
Young states often have policies that support families and child-rearing:
- Utah: Top-rated schools, family tax credits, outdoor recreation access
- Texas: No state income tax, affordable childcare, strong job market
- Idaho: Low crime rates, outdoor lifestyle, family communities
- Nebraska: Affordable housing, stable economy, traditional values
Lifestyle Appeal
Many young states offer lifestyle advantages that appeal to millennials and Gen Z:
- Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Lower stress, better work-life balance
- Stronger sense of community
- Space for families to grow
- Entrepreneurial opportunities
Challenges of Rapid Youth Growth
Infrastructure Strain
Rapid growth creates growing pains. Utah struggles with traffic congestion, school overcrowding, and housing shortages. Idaho faces similar challenges as Boise becomes unaffordable for many workers.
Environmental Pressures
Young, growing states face environmental challenges:
- Air quality issues in Salt Lake City and Denver
- Water scarcity in Utah and Colorado
- Sprawl consuming agricultural and natural land
- Increased energy consumption
Cultural Changes
Rapid in-migration can strain local culture and values. Long-time residents sometimes feel overwhelmed by newcomers with different values and lifestyles. This creates political and social tensions.
Future Projections: Will Young States Stay Young?
Demographic Momentum
Most young states will likely remain relatively young due to demographic momentum. Utah's large youth population will produce many future parents, maintaining high birth rates. However, all states are aging as baby boomers retire.
Projected Changes by 2030
- • Utah: Will remain youngest, median age rising to 34.1
- • Alaska: May drop to 4th youngest as oil economy shifts
- • Texas: Will stay young due to immigration and high birth rates
- • Mountain West: May see accelerated aging as boomers retire there
Policy Implications for Young States
Education Investment
Young states must invest heavily in education infrastructure. Utah needs 500+ new schools by 2030. Texas faces similar pressures as youth populations grow. Quality education is essential to maintain economic competitiveness.
Transportation Planning
Growing young populations drive transportation demand. Colorado's I-25 corridor and Utah's Wasatch Front need major investments. Young families rely on roads for commuting and activities.
Housing Policy
Maintaining affordability is crucial for keeping young families. Utah has reformed zoning laws to allow more density. Idaho struggles with rising costs as California refugees drive up prices.
The Youth-Age Divide in American Politics
The geographic concentration of young and old Americans has political implications. Young states tend toward:
- Lower taxes and less government spending
- Pro-growth, pro-business policies
- Investment in education and infrastructure
- Technology-friendly regulation
Meanwhile, older states focus on:
- Healthcare and senior services
- Pension and Social Security protection
- Environmental preservation
- Historic preservation and stability
Global Perspective: Young States in World Context
America's youngest states would rank as relatively old globally. Utah's median age of 32.3 years is similar to:
- Chile: 32.1 years
- Vietnam: 32.5 years
- Iran: 32.0 years
Meanwhile, the world's youngest countries like Niger (15.5 years) and Chad (16.1 years) highlight how young America's "young" states really are in global context.
Key Takeaways: Youngest States in the US
- • Utah is youngest with median age 32.3 years due to high birth rates
- • Texas combines youth and scale with 15.2 million people under 35
- • Mountain West dominates with outdoor lifestyle and tech economies
- • Young states grow faster economically and demographically
- • Youth migration from expensive coasts to affordable interior
The youngest states in America represent the nation's economic and demographic future. As young Americans continue migrating toward opportunity and affordability, these states will likely maintain their youth advantage while older states face challenging transitions. Understanding this geographic youth divide is crucial for predicting America's economic, political, and social evolution in the coming decades.