Understanding the U.S. Through 20 Maps Ahead of the 2024 Election

As Americans prepare to vote on November 5, a series of 20 maps from Al Jazeera offers an expansive look at the economic, demographic, geographic, and social landscape of the United States—a country of 335 million people.

Economy & Employment

• Strongest Economies: California leads at $4.8 trillion, followed by Texas ($2.9T) and New York ($2.3T).

• Unemployment: Highest in D.C. (5.7%), Nevada (5.5%), California (5.3%). Lowest in South Dakota (2%), Vermont (2.2%), North Dakota (2.3%).

• Minimum Wage: Highest in D.C. ($17), Washington ($16.28), California ($16). Lowest in Georgia and Wyoming ($5.15).

• State Income Tax: California tops at 13.3%, followed by Hawaii (11%) and New York (10.9%). Nine states have no income tax.

Social Indicators

• Homelessness: Highest in D.C., New York, and Vermont; lowest in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

• Maternal Mortality: Highest in Arkansas (44/100k), Mississippi (43), and Tennessee (42).

• Suicide Rates: Highest in Montana (29/100k), Alaska (28), and Wyoming (26).

• Violent Crime: D.C. leads at 812 crimes per 100,000, followed by New Mexico and Alaska.

Demographics

• Population: California (39M), Texas (30M), Florida (22M); Wyoming is least populated (<600k).

• Population Density: Highest in New Jersey (487/km²), lowest in Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana.

• Foreign-born Residents: California (27%), New Jersey (24%), New York (23%).

• Racial Composition:

  • White Majority: West Virginia (91%)

  • Black Majority: D.C. (42%), Mississippi (36.9%)

• Youth Voters (18–24): Highest in Utah (12%), North Dakota (11%), and D.C. (10%)

Hot-button Issues

• Mass Shootings: Illinois (468), California (419), Texas (336) over the last decade.

• Death Penalty: 21 states enforce it; Texas has executed the most (83 since 2014).

• Abortion Laws: Post-Roe v. Wade reversal, nearly half of U.S. states have enacted bans or significant restrictions.

Historical Context

• Statehood: The U.S. grew from 13 original colonies in 1776 to 50 states, with Alaska and Hawaii being the last to join in 1959.

These insights underscore the vast diversity across states and the issues shaping voters' decisions in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.