U.S. State Capitals

List of the cities that are state capitals in the United States

April 18, 2024

All 50 U.S. state capitals are listed alphabetically below with each being the center of government for its particular state. Some capitals are large cities with Phoenix, Arizona being the largest with 1,445,632 people, and some capitals are smaller towns with Montpelier, Vermont being the smallest with only 7,855 residents.

Most states have changed their capital at least once. The year the current capital was established is listed, and it's almost never the same year the state became a state. The thirteen original states became states when the United States Constitution was ratified.

Capital Since

Area (mi²)

Municipal Population

Metro Population

Population Rank in State

Population Rank in U.S.

Comments

Michigan

1837

Lansing

1847

35.0

114,297

464,036

5

226

Prior to 1847 Detroit was the state capital of Michigan.

Michigan (MI)

Statehood: 1837

Capital: Lansing

Capital Since: 1847

Capital Land Area: 35.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 114,297

Metropolitan Population: 464,036

Population Rank in State: #5

Population Rank in U.S.: #226

Comments: Prior to 1847 Detroit was the state capital of Michigan.

Illinois

1818

Springfield

1837

54.0

116,250

210,170

6

221

Abraham Lincoln once lived in Springfield.

Illinois (IL)

Statehood: 1818

Capital: Springfield

Capital Since: 1837

Capital Land Area: 54.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 116,250

Metropolitan Population: 210,170

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #221

Comments: Abraham Lincoln once lived in Springfield.

Connecticut

1788

Hartford

1875

17.3

124,775

1,212,381

3

199

Connecticut (CT)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Hartford

Capital Since: 1875

Capital Land Area: 17.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 124,775

Metropolitan Population: 1,212,381

Population Rank in State: #3

Population Rank in U.S.: #199

Comments:

Kansas

1861

Topeka

1856

56.0

127,473

230,870

4

193

Kansas (KS)

Statehood: 1861

Capital: Topeka

Capital Since: 1856

Capital Land Area: 56.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 127,473

Metropolitan Population: 230,870

Population Rank in State: #4

Population Rank in U.S.: #193

Comments:

South Carolina

1788

Columbia

1786

125.2

129,272

767,598

2

191

South Carolina (SC)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Columbia

Capital Since: 1786

Capital Land Area: 125.2 mi²

Municipal Population: 129,272

Metropolitan Population: 767,598

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #191

Comments:

Oregon

1859

Salem

1855

45.7

154,637

390,738

3

149

Oregon (OR)

Statehood: 1859

Capital: Salem

Capital Since: 1855

Capital Land Area: 45.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 154,637

Metropolitan Population: 390,738

Population Rank in State: #3

Population Rank in U.S.: #149

Comments:

Mississippi

1817

Jackson

1821

104.9

173,514

567,122

1

134

Natchez was the original capital of Mississippi dating back to when it was a U.S. territory.

Mississippi (MS)

Statehood: 1817

Capital: Jackson

Capital Since: 1821

Capital Land Area: 104.9 mi²

Municipal Population: 173,514

Metropolitan Population: 567,122

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #134

Comments: Natchez was the original capital of Mississippi dating back to when it was a U.S. territory.

Rhode Island

1790

Providence

1900

18.5

178,042

1,600,852

1

130

From 1776 to 1853 Providence was one of five co-capitals in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island (RI)

Statehood: 1790

Capital: Providence

Capital Since: 1900

Capital Land Area: 18.5 mi²

Municipal Population: 178,042

Metropolitan Population: 1,600,852

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #130

Comments: From 1776 to 1853 Providence was one of five co-capitals in Rhode Island.

Florida

1845

Tallahassee

1824

95.7

181,376

367,413

7

125

Florida (FL)

Statehood: 1845

Capital: Tallahassee

Capital Since: 1824

Capital Land Area: 95.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 181,376

Metropolitan Population: 367,413

Population Rank in State: #7

Population Rank in U.S.: #125

Comments:

Utah

1896

Salt Lake City

1858

109.1

186,440

1,087,873

1

124

Utah (UT)

Statehood: 1896

Capital: Salt Lake City

Capital Since: 1858

Capital Land Area: 109.1 mi²

Municipal Population: 186,440

Metropolitan Population: 1,087,873

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #124

Comments:

Arkansas

1836

Little Rock

1821

116.2

193,524

699,757

1

117

Arkansas (AR)

Statehood: 1836

Capital: Little Rock

Capital Since: 1821

Capital Land Area: 116.2 mi²

Municipal Population: 193,524

Metropolitan Population: 699,757

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #117

Comments:

Iowa

1846

Des Moines

1857

75.8

203,433

569,633

1

105

Iowa (IA)

Statehood: 1846

Capital: Des Moines

Capital Since: 1857

Capital Land Area: 75.8 mi²

Municipal Population: 203,433

Metropolitan Population: 569,633

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #105

Comments:

Virginia

1788

Richmond

1780

60.1

204,214

1,208,101

4

104

Virginia (VA)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Richmond

Capital Since: 1780

Capital Land Area: 60.1 mi²

Municipal Population: 204,214

Metropolitan Population: 1,208,101

Population Rank in State: #4

Population Rank in U.S.: #104

Comments:

Idaho

1890

Boise

1865

63.8

205,671

616,561

1

103

Idaho (ID)

Statehood: 1890

Capital: Boise

Capital Since: 1865

Capital Land Area: 63.8 mi²

Municipal Population: 205,671

Metropolitan Population: 616,561

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #103

Comments:

Alabama

1819

Montgomery

1846

155.4

205,764

374,536

2

102

In 1902 Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill performed the first open hear surgery in Montgomery.

Alabama (AL)

Statehood: 1819

Capital: Montgomery

Capital Since: 1846

Capital Land Area: 155.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 205,764

Metropolitan Population: 374,536

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #102

Comments: In 1902 Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill performed the first open hear surgery in Montgomery.

Louisiana

1812

Baton Rouge

1880

76.8

229,493

802,484

2

85

Baton Rouge has the tallest state capitol building in the U.S.

Louisiana (LA)

Statehood: 1812

Capital: Baton Rouge

Capital Since: 1880

Capital Land Area: 76.8 mi²

Municipal Population: 229,493

Metropolitan Population: 802,484

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #85

Comments: Baton Rouge has the tallest state capitol building in the U.S.

Wisconsin

1848

Madison

1838

68.7

233,209

605,435

2

82

Wisconsin (WI)

Statehood: 1848

Capital: Madison

Capital Since: 1838

Capital Land Area: 68.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 233,209

Metropolitan Population: 605,435

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #82

Comments:

Nebraska

1867

Lincoln

1867

74.6

258,379

302,157

2

72

Nebraska (NE)

Statehood: 1867

Capital: Lincoln

Capital Since: 1867

Capital Land Area: 74.6 mi²

Municipal Population: 258,379

Metropolitan Population: 302,157

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #72

Comments:

Minnesota

1858

Saint Paul

1849

52.8

285,068

3,348,659

2

67

Minnesota (MN)

Statehood: 1858

Capital: Saint Paul

Capital Since: 1849

Capital Land Area: 52.8 mi²

Municipal Population: 285,068

Metropolitan Population: 3,348,659

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #67

Comments:

Hawaii

1959

Honolulu

1845

85.7

337,256

953,207

1

53

Hawaii (HI)

Statehood: 1959

Capital: Honolulu

Capital Since: 1845

Capital Land Area: 85.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 337,256

Metropolitan Population: 953,207

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #53

Comments:

North Carolina

1789

Raleigh

1792

114.6

403,892

1,130,490

2

43

North Carolina (NC)

Statehood: 1789

Capital: Raleigh

Capital Since: 1792

Capital Land Area: 114.6 mi²

Municipal Population: 403,892

Metropolitan Population: 1,130,490

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #43

Comments:

Georgia

1788

Atlanta

1868

131.7

420,003

5,286,728

1

40

Atlanta has the largest metro population of all the state capitals.

Georgia (GA)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Atlanta

Capital Since: 1868

Capital Land Area: 131.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 420,003

Metropolitan Population: 5,286,728

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #40

Comments: Atlanta has the largest metro population of all the state capitals.

California

1850

Sacramento

1854

97.2

466,488

2,149,127

6

35

California (CA)

Statehood: 1850

Capital: Sacramento

Capital Since: 1854

Capital Land Area: 97.2 mi²

Municipal Population: 466,488

Metropolitan Population: 2,149,127

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #35

Comments:

Oklahoma

1907

Oklahoma City

1910

607.0

579,999

1,252,987

1

31

Oklahoma City is currently the shortest serving state capital.

Oklahoma (OK)

Statehood: 1907

Capital: Oklahoma City

Capital Since: 1910

Capital Land Area: 607.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 579,999

Metropolitan Population: 1,252,987

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #31

Comments: Oklahoma City is currently the shortest serving state capital.

Colorado

1876

Denver

1867

153.4

600,158

2,543,482

1

26

Up until 1882 Denver was called Denver City.

Colorado (CO)

Statehood: 1876

Capital: Denver

Capital Since: 1867

Capital Land Area: 153.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 600,158

Metropolitan Population: 2,543,482

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #26

Comments: Up until 1882 Denver was called Denver City.

Tennessee

1796

Nashville

1826

473.3

601,222

1,670,890

1

25

Tennessee (TN)

Statehood: 1796

Capital: Nashville

Capital Since: 1826

Capital Land Area: 473.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 601,222

Metropolitan Population: 1,670,890

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #25

Comments:

Massachusetts

1788

Boston

1630

48.4

617,594

4,552,402

1

22

Boston has continuously served as state capital longer than any other in the U.S.

Massachusetts (MA)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Boston

Capital Since: 1630

Capital Land Area: 48.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 617,594

Metropolitan Population: 4,552,402

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #22

Comments: Boston has continuously served as state capital longer than any other in the U.S.

Indiana

1816

Indianapolis

1825

361.5

820,445

1,887,877

1

16

Indiana (IN)

Statehood: 1816

Capital: Indianapolis

Capital Since: 1825

Capital Land Area: 361.5 mi²

Municipal Population: 820,445

Metropolitan Population: 1,887,877

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #16

Comments:

Ohio

1803

Columbus

1816

210.3

879,170

2,078,725

1

14

Columbus is the second largest state capital (population) in the U.S.

Ohio (OH)

Statehood: 1803

Capital: Columbus

Capital Since: 1816

Capital Land Area: 210.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 879,170

Metropolitan Population: 2,078,725

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #14

Comments: Columbus is the second largest state capital (population) in the U.S.

Texas

1845

Austin

1839

251.5

790,390

1,716,291

4

11

Austin is the 11th most populous city in the U.S.

Texas (TX)

Statehood: 1845

Capital: Austin

Capital Since: 1839

Capital Land Area: 251.5 mi²

Municipal Population: 790,390

Metropolitan Population: 1,716,291

Population Rank in State: #4

Population Rank in U.S.: #11

Comments: Austin is the 11th most populous city in the U.S.

Arizona

1912

Phoenix

1889

474.9

1,445,632

4,192,887

1

6

Phoenix has the largest population of any capital in the U.S.

Arizona (AZ)

Statehood: 1912

Capital: Phoenix

Capital Since: 1889

Capital Land Area: 474.9 mi²

Municipal Population: 1,445,632

Metropolitan Population: 4,192,887

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #6

Comments: Phoenix has the largest population of any capital in the U.S.

Alaska

1959

Juneau

1906

2716.7

31,275

31,275

3

--

Juneau is the second largest U.S. city by municipal land area.

Alaska (AK)

Statehood: 1959

Capital: Juneau

Capital Since: 1906

Capital Land Area: 2716.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 31,275

Metropolitan Population: 31,275

Population Rank in State: #3

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Juneau is the second largest U.S. city by municipal land area.

Delaware

1787

Dover

1777

22.4

36,047

162,310

2

--

In terms of statehood Dover is the longest serving U.S. state capital.

Delaware (DE)

Statehood: 1787

Capital: Dover

Capital Since: 1777

Capital Land Area: 22.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 36,047

Metropolitan Population: 162,310

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: In terms of statehood Dover is the longest serving U.S. state capital.

Kentucky

1792

Frankfort

1792

14.7

25,527

70,758

14

--

Kentucky (KY)

Statehood: 1792

Capital: Frankfort

Capital Since: 1792

Capital Land Area: 14.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 25,527

Metropolitan Population: 70,758

Population Rank in State: #14

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

Maine

1820

Augusta

1832

55.4

19,136

117,114

8

--

Augusta is home to the oldest wooden fort in the U.S.

Maine (ME)

Statehood: 1820

Capital: Augusta

Capital Since: 1832

Capital Land Area: 55.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 19,136

Metropolitan Population: 117,114

Population Rank in State: #8

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Augusta is home to the oldest wooden fort in the U.S.

Maryland

1788

Annapolis

1694

6.7

38,394

38,394

7

--

Annapolis is the smallest capital in the U.S. by land area and also has the oldest capitol building.

Maryland (MD)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Annapolis

Capital Since: 1694

Capital Land Area: 6.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 38,394

Metropolitan Population: 38,394

Population Rank in State: #7

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Annapolis is the smallest capital in the U.S. by land area and also has the oldest capitol building.

Missouri

1821

Jefferson City

1826

27.3

43,079

149,807

15

--

Missouri (MO)

Statehood: 1821

Capital: Jefferson City

Capital Since: 1826

Capital Land Area: 27.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 43,079

Metropolitan Population: 149,807

Population Rank in State: #15

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

Montana

1889

Helena

1875

14.0

28,190

74,801

6

--

Montana (MT)

Statehood: 1889

Capital: Helena

Capital Since: 1875

Capital Land Area: 14.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 28,190

Metropolitan Population: 74,801

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

Nevada

1864

Carson City

1861

143.4

55,274

55,274

6

--

Carson City is an independent city.

Nevada (NV)

Statehood: 1864

Capital: Carson City

Capital Since: 1861

Capital Land Area: 143.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 55,274

Metropolitan Population: 55,274

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Carson City is an independent city.

New Hampshire

1788

Concord

1808

64.3

42,695

42,695

3

--

New Hampshire (NH)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Concord

Capital Since: 1808

Capital Land Area: 64.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 42,695

Metropolitan Population: 42,695

Population Rank in State: #3

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

New Jersey

1787

Trenton

1784

7.7

84,913

366,513

10

--

Trenton was the U.S. capital for 54 days in late 1784.

New Jersey (NJ)

Statehood: 1787

Capital: Trenton

Capital Since: 1784

Capital Land Area: 7.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 84,913

Metropolitan Population: 366,513

Population Rank in State: #10

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Trenton was the U.S. capital for 54 days in late 1784.

New Mexico

1912

Santa Fe

1610

37.3

75,764

183,732

4

--

Santa Fe is the longest serving state capital in the U.S. and also has the highest elevation of any state capital at 7,199 ft. above sea level.

New Mexico (NM)

Statehood: 1912

Capital: Santa Fe

Capital Since: 1610

Capital Land Area: 37.3 mi²

Municipal Population: 75,764

Metropolitan Population: 183,732

Population Rank in State: #4

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Santa Fe is the longest serving state capital in the U.S. and also has the highest elevation of any state capital at 7,199 ft. above sea level.

New York

1788

Albany

1797

21.4

97,856

857,592

6

--

New York (NY)

Statehood: 1788

Capital: Albany

Capital Since: 1797

Capital Land Area: 21.4 mi²

Municipal Population: 97,856

Metropolitan Population: 857,592

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

North Dakota

1889

Bismarck

1883

26.9

61,272

108,779

2

--

North Dakota (ND)

Statehood: 1889

Capital: Bismarck

Capital Since: 1883

Capital Land Area: 26.9 mi²

Municipal Population: 61,272

Metropolitan Population: 108,779

Population Rank in State: #2

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

Pennsylvania

1787

Harrisburg

1812

8.1

49,528

647,390

9

--

Pennsylvania (PA)

Statehood: 1787

Capital: Harrisburg

Capital Since: 1812

Capital Land Area: 8.1 mi²

Municipal Population: 49,528

Metropolitan Population: 647,390

Population Rank in State: #9

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

South Dakota

1889

Pierre

1889

13.0

13,646

13,646

8

--

South Dakota (SD)

Statehood: 1889

Capital: Pierre

Capital Since: 1889

Capital Land Area: 13.0 mi²

Municipal Population: 13,646

Metropolitan Population: 13,646

Population Rank in State: #8

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

Vermont

1791

Montpelier

1805

10.2

7,855

7,855

6

--

At only 7,855 residents, Montpelier has the smallest population of any state capital in the U.S.

Vermont (VT)

Statehood: 1791

Capital: Montpelier

Capital Since: 1805

Capital Land Area: 10.2 mi²

Municipal Population: 7,855

Metropolitan Population: 7,855

Population Rank in State: #6

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: At only 7,855 residents, Montpelier has the smallest population of any state capital in the U.S.

Washington

1889

Olympia

1853

16.7

46,478

234,670

24

--

Washington (WA)

Statehood: 1889

Capital: Olympia

Capital Since: 1853

Capital Land Area: 16.7 mi²

Municipal Population: 46,478

Metropolitan Population: 234,670

Population Rank in State: #24

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

West Virginia

1863

Charleston

1885

31.6

51,400

304,214

1

--

Charleston is the largest city in West Virginia and the smallest capital city in the U.S. that is also its state's largest.

West Virginia (WV)

Statehood: 1863

Capital: Charleston

Capital Since: 1885

Capital Land Area: 31.6 mi²

Municipal Population: 51,400

Metropolitan Population: 304,214

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments: Charleston is the largest city in West Virginia and the smallest capital city in the U.S. that is also its state's largest.

Wyoming

1890

Cheyenne

1869

21.1

59,466

91,738

1

--

Wyoming (WY)

Statehood: 1890

Capital: Cheyenne

Capital Since: 1869

Capital Land Area: 21.1 mi²

Municipal Population: 59,466

Metropolitan Population: 91,738

Population Rank in State: #1

Population Rank in U.S.: #--

Comments:

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