10 Least Diverse States in the U.S.

West Virginia ranked dead last in WalletHub's overall diversity index. The state has minimal racial and ethnic diversity, with nearly 90 percent of the population identifying as white alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Only English is spoken in most homes, religious affiliations are narrow, and educational attainment is among the lowest in the country. Cultural diversity and political diversity are also limited.

Maine mirrors West Virginia in terms of low representation from various racial and ethnic groups. The state has few Hispanic, Black or Asian residents and ranks near the bottom in religious diversity and around the middle in economic diversity.

Residents primarily speak English at home, and foreign languages are rare.

Known for maple syrup and mountains, Vermont is not known for ethnic diversity. The population is predominantly white, and the state has low numbers of foreign-born residents. Cultural diversity is minimal, and religious options are limited.

Vermont’s economy, while stable, doesn’t reflect the varied job sectors found in more diverse states like California or Texas. Political diversity trends progressive, but overall demographic variation remains low.

New Hampshire’s racial diversity is among the lowest in the nation, with few ethnic groups outside the white majority.

Most residents speak only English, and there’s limited representation from Pacific Islander languages or cultures. Educational attainment is relatively high, but the state lacks significant religious and cultural diversity.

North Dakota is a case study in limited diversity. The population is largely white, and languages other than English are rarely spoken at home. Though the energy industry has attracted some new residents, ethnic diversity remains low.

Cities like Fargo are growing, but they haven’t shifted the state’s overall profile.

Montana shares many of North Dakota’s characteristics. While it does have a strong Native American presence, the overall population shows little variation in race, religion or language.

Political diversity trends conservative, and cultural offerings are limited outside of a few college towns. Montana’s isolation from major metropolitan centers contributes to its place on this list.

Iowa ranks low in racial and ethnic diversity, with a population that is predominantly white. The state also scores poorly in categories like educational attainment variation.

Religious diversity is limited, and most people speak English at home. The combination of these characteristics places Iowa among the least diverse states in the country.

Kentucky’s lack of ethnic diversity is mirrored by its economic and cultural uniformity. Most residents share similar religious beliefs, and few speak foreign languages. Educational attainment varies less than in more diverse states, and political diversity leans heavily conservative.

These factors combined shape a relatively homogenous state profile.

Indiana, like its Midwestern neighbors, has limited racial and ethnic diversity. Most households speak only English, and there’s little representation from Pacific Islander or Hispanic communities.

Economic diversity is low, and according to WalletHub, Indiana’s diversity indicators fall below national averages in nearly every category.

South Dakota has low racial and cultural diversity, but its religious and economic diversity are relatively high. While the state does have a notable Native American population, representation from other ethnic groups is sparse.

Most residents speak English at home, and educational and political diversity are both limited. Businesses and institutions reflect the state's demographic uniformity.

These states share several characteristics: predominantly white populations, limited linguistic variation, and low religious and cultural diversity.

Educational attainment levels tend to be more uniform, and economic diversity is often constrained to a few dominant industries.

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, these factors collectively impact the way communities function and develop over time.

In contrast, states like California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, New York, New Mexico, Nevada, and Hawaii offer broader representation from various ethnic groups. California residents alone reflect a wide range of racial and cultural identities, from Hispanic to Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

These states often have higher levels of educational attainment and economic opportunity, thanks to their diverse populations and industries.

Language diversity is a key factor in WalletHub’s ranking. States with residents who speak Spanish, Tagalog, or Mandarin tend to score higher.

Religious diversity also plays a major role: States with a mix of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and unaffiliated populations are considered more culturally dynamic. In the least diverse states, English dominates, and religious options are few.

As the nation becomes more interconnected, diversity isn’t just a social issue; it’s an economic and strategic advantage.

Diverse states are often better positioned for global business, tourism, and innovation. They attract a wide range of talent, ideas and experiences that drive development.

Conversely, states with low diversity may struggle to keep pace with these changes, especially in a country growing more pluralistic every year.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.