The Largest City (by Land Area) in Every State
When you think of big cities, you likely picture skyscrapers and bustling streets. But in terms of sheer land area, some U.S. cities span incredible distances that might surprise you. Each state has its own largest city by land area, and these vast urban landscapes often include natural reserves, mountains, and lakes. Here’s a look at the largest city by land area in every state.
Alabama: Huntsville
Huntsville, with a land area of about 213 square miles, is Alabama’s largest city geographically. Known as “Rocket City” for its ties to U.S. space exploration, Huntsville mixes technology, history, and southern charm. Despite its size, it’s still an affordable and family-friendly place to live.
Alaska: Sitka
Sitka is the largest U.S. city by land area, covering a whopping 2,870 square miles. Located on the southeastern coast of Alaska, it’s surrounded by natural beauty, including the Tongass National Forest. The city blends a small-town feel with access to some of the most remote wilderness in the country. Learn more here.
Arizona: Buckeye
Buckeye spans over 393 square miles, making it Arizona’s largest city in land area. Once a small farming community, it has transformed into one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., while still keeping its rural roots alive.
Arkansas: Little Rock
Little Rock’s 121 square miles make it Arkansas’s largest city by land. Located along the Arkansas River, it’s a blend of urban development and outdoor living, with biking trails, parks, and museums.
California: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, covering 503 square miles, is the largest city in California by land. Known globally for Hollywood, beaches, and diverse neighborhoods, it’s a sprawling metropolis with something for everyone.
Colorado: Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs covers 195 square miles, offering stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. It’s home to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, making it popular with both residents and tourists.
Connecticut: New Haven
New Haven, with a land area of just 20 square miles, is Connecticut’s largest city in this category. Although small, it’s home to Yale University and features a vibrant arts scene.
Delaware: Dover
Dover is Delaware’s largest city by land area at 23 square miles. The state capital is known for colonial landmarks and its annual NASCAR race events that draw thousands of fans.
Florida: Jacksonville
Jacksonville takes the crown as the largest city in the contiguous U.S., boasting over 874 square miles. It combines urban living with miles of beaches and waterways. Find more details here.
Georgia: Augusta
Augusta spans 302 square miles. It’s best known for the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament, yet also offers year-round outdoor activities with its mild climate and parks along the Savannah River.
Hawaii: Honolulu
Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, covers 68 square miles. It’s a cultural and economic hub that combines urban development with scenic Hawaiian beaches, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Idaho: Boise
Boise covers 80 square miles, making it Idaho’s largest city by land area. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and welcoming atmosphere, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the West.
Illinois: Chicago
With 227 square miles, Chicago is Illinois’s largest city by land. Famous for its skyline, sports teams, and deep-dish pizza, it’s one of the most iconic urban centers in the U.S.
Indiana: Indianapolis
Indianapolis spans 368 square miles and is home to the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500. The city combines Midwestern values with a vibrant downtown.
Iowa: Des Moines
Des Moines has an area of 90 square miles. As the state capital, it’s a thriving city with a growing focus on finance, insurance, and tech industries.
Kansas: Wichita
Wichita is Kansas’s largest city by land at 163 square miles. Known for its aviation history, it has a strong manufacturing base and a rich cultural scene.
Kentucky: Louisville
Louisville spans 325 square miles. Famous for the Kentucky Derby, the city is rich in history and tradition, blending Southern charm with modern amenities.
Louisiana – New Orleans
New Orleans claims the title in Louisiana, covering 169.42 square miles. Famous for its vibrant culture, Creole cuisine, and iconic events like Mardi Gras, New Orleans uses its extensive land area to host thriving communities and tourist hotspots. Explore more about New Orleans here.
Maine: Augusta
Augusta, the capital of Maine, spans approximately 58 square miles. Though small in population, its land area allows for a mix of urban and rural spaces. Its size contrasts starkly with its neighboring state capitals.
Maryland: Frederick
Frederick is Maryland’s largest city by land area, covering around 57 square miles. Situated in the western region, it combines rich Civil War history with contemporary growth. The city’s scenic suburban landscapes are a favorite for families and professionals alike.
Massachusetts: Taunton
Taunton is the largest city by land area in Massachusetts, with about 48 square miles. Located in Bristol County, it’s steeped in colonial history. Taunton’s blend of historic districts and vast parks makes it a standout urban area.
Michigan: Detroit
Detroit spans 139 square miles, making it Michigan’s largest by land area. Known as the Motor City, Detroit is a hub of automotive history and cultural landmarks. Its wide roads and suburban neighborhoods reflect its size.
Minnesota: Hibbing
Hibbing holds the title for Minnesota, covering over 186 square miles. Located in St. Louis County, the city is known for its abundant natural resources, particularly iron ore. Despite its massive area, it maintains a small-town feel.
Mississippi: Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi’s largest city by area, covers about 113 square miles. As the state capital, it mixes Southern charm with sprawling urban design. Jackson’s size accommodates an array of institutions, from universities to cultural hubs.
Missouri: Kansas City
Kansas City is the largest in Missouri, encompassing 319 square miles. It’s renowned for its jazz history, barbecue, and extensive park system. The city’s area supports a booming art and entertainment scene.
Montana: Anaconda
Anaconda spans a massive 736 square miles, making it unique among Montana cities. Known for its rich mining history, Anaconda capitalizes on its space with outdoor recreation areas that attract adventurers year-round.
Nebraska: Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital and largest city by area, covers 99 square miles. The city balances urban development with sprawling farmland, highlighting its Midwestern roots. Lincoln is also home to leading higher education institutions.
Nevada: Henderson
Henderson, located just outside Las Vegas, spans 107 square miles. It combines suburban tranquility with proximity to Nevada’s bustling entertainment hub. Henderson’s outdoor spaces are perfect for residents seeking scenic escapes.
New Hampshire: Manchester
Manchester stands as New Hampshire’s largest city by area, covering 35 square miles. Known for its textile mill history, this city is growing into a technological and cultural hub.
New Jersey: Vineland
Vineland covers about 69 square miles, making it New Jersey’s largest city by area. Located in Cumberland County, it’s renowned for its agricultural contributions, particularly in the wine and farming industries.
New Mexico: Albuquerque
At 189 square miles, Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city by area. Known for its annual hot air balloon festivals, the city’s size incorporates desert landscapes, mountains, and urban sprawl.
New York: Brookhaven
Brookhaven, an incorporated part of Long Island, is the largest city in New York by land area at 531 square miles. Home to diverse ecosystems, its blend of suburban communities and beaches is unparalleled.
North Carolina: Fayetteville
Fayetteville covers 142 square miles, making it North Carolina’s largest city by area. Known for Fort Liberty, it combines military history with a growing cultural scene.
North Dakota: Bismarck
Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, covers 34 square miles. This city blends a laid-back atmosphere with a growing economy catering to the energy sector.
Ohio: Columbus
Spanning 223 square miles, Columbus leads Ohio in both size and population. As a central hub, the city blends academia, business, and vibrant arts districts.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is vast, covering 620 square miles, and is a central hub for the state’s energy industry. Its sprawling nature accommodates ranches, suburban neighborhoods, and a bustling downtown.
Oregon: Portland
Covering 145 square miles, Portland is Oregon’s largest city by area. Known for its eco-conscious culture, it’s a green city that promotes sustainability and outdoor activities.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Philadelphia covers roughly 141 square miles, making it Pennsylvania’s largest city by area. It’s a vibrant city rich in history, arts, and education, blending historic landmarks with modern developments.
Rhode Island – Warwick
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it still has room for its largest city by land area: Warwick. Spanning 35.04 square miles, Warwick is packed with beauty and historical landmarks, including the picturesque Gaspee Point. Despite its significant land area, it maintains a cozy community feel. Learn more about Rhode Island cities here.
South Carolina – Columbia
Columbia, the state capital, comes out on top as South Carolina’s largest city by land area. With 137.19 square miles, it offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. From the Riverbanks Zoo to historic districts, Columbia blends its sprawling layout with vibrant energy. Explore more about South Carolina cities.
South Dakota – Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, covering 72.96 square miles. Known for its signature waterfalls and park systems, Sioux Falls is a hub of activity and growth in the Midwest. Its charming downtown and family-friendly spaces make it stand out. Discover Sioux Falls here.
Tennessee – Nashville
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and home of country music, is also the largest city by land area in the state at 475.13 square miles. The sprawling metropolitan area embraces both urban life and scenic outdoor spaces, with destinations such as the Grand Ole Opry and Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Learn about Nashville’s size and attractions.
Texas: Houston
Houston, Texas, boasts a land area of approximately 637 square miles, making it the largest city in the state by land size. Known as a hub of innovation, commerce, and culture, it’s hard to ignore the city’s economic significance alongside its sprawling urban footprint. Houston also holds the distinction of being one of the most diverse cities in the nation.
Utah: Salt Lake City
At the crossroads of nature and urban development, Salt Lake City covers 110 square miles. It acts as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the country. The land area is particularly unique due to its proximity to the Great Salt Lake, which inspired its name and shaped its history.
Vermont – South Burlington
Though Vermont is known for its smaller towns, South Burlington occupies the most land area with 16.49 square miles. Nestled near Lake Champlain, it offers stunning views and access to outdoor activities. South Burlington’s charm lies in its integration of nature and modern conveniences. Check out Vermont’s cities here.
Virginia: Suffolk
Suffolk’s 429 square miles make it the largest independent city in Virginia by area. Dominated by farmlands, forests, and wetlands, Suffolk is a blend of rural charm and suburban expansion. It’s a key part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, offering residents a tranquil escape with easy access to urban amenities.
Washington: Seattle
Seattle, the gem of the Pacific Northwest, encompasses 83.9 square miles. While not the largest city by land nationally, its geographical features, including waterfront spaces and elevated terrains, make it undeniably stunning. Seattle’s thriving tech industry and cultural scene further highlight its prominence.
West Virginia: Charleston
Charleston leads in West Virginia with a land area of 31.52 square miles. As the state’s capital, it combines its political significance with local attractions like the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. The proximity of the Elk and Kanawha rivers adds to the city’s scenic appeal. Find out more about Charleston here.
Wisconsin: Milwaukee
With a land area of 96 square miles, Milwaukee might surprise some as the largest city in Wisconsin by area. Positioned along Lake Michigan, its industrial past is complemented by a growing arts and food scene, cementing its place as a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Midwest.
Wyoming: Casper
Casper takes the title in Wyoming with 27.2 square miles, embodying the rugged frontier spirit. It offers a mix of stunning mountain views and urban amenities, making it an enticing location for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.
Wrap-Up
From sprawling metropolises to smaller, picturesque towns, the largest city by land area in every state has its own unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the historical streets of New Orleans, the waterfalls of Sioux Falls, or the music culture of Nashville, these cities demonstrate the variety and richness of the United States. For a closer look at other rankings, visit the List of U.S. Cities by Area. Explore these cities, and you may find adventure in the most unexpected places!
