The “whiteness” of a state in the US can be measured by the percentage of the population that identifies as non-Hispanic White. According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2020 estimates, the whitest state in the US is Maine, with a population that is 94.1% non-Hispanic White. Here are some additional details about Maine’s demographics and history:
Maine is located in the northeastern part of the US and is the easternmost state in the contiguous United States. The state has a population of approximately 1.3 million people and covers an area of over 35,000 square miles. The largest city in Maine is Portland, with a population of just over 66,000 people.
Maine has a long history of being a predominantly White state. The area that is now Maine was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wabanaki people. However, by the time Maine became a state in 1820, the vast majority of the population was of European descent. In the 1800s, Maine’s economy was heavily based on industries such as fishing, logging, and shipbuilding, which attracted many immigrants from Europe. Over time, these immigrants and their descendants became the dominant demographic group in the state.
In recent years, Maine’s demographics have begun to shift slightly. The state’s Hispanic and Asian populations have both increased, although they still make up a relatively small percentage of the overall population. Additionally, the state has seen an influx of Somali refugees, many of whom have settled in the city of Lewiston. However, even with these changes, Maine remains one of the whitest states in the US.
It’s worth noting that Maine’s whiteness is not necessarily a reflection of the attitudes or beliefs of its residents. While there are certainly individuals in Maine who hold racist views, the state has also been home to many activists and movements dedicated to fighting racism and promoting equality. For example, Maine was one of the first states to pass a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, and it has been at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change.
In conclusion, Maine is currently the whitest state in the US, with a population that is 94.1% non-Hispanic White. This demographic makeup is largely a result of the state’s history as a hub of European immigration, as well as its location in a region of the country that has historically been less diverse than other parts of the US. However, it’s important to remember that the whiteness of a state’s population is just one aspect of its overall character, and that individual attitudes and beliefs can vary widely within any given community.
