When people think of U.S. states, they often picture big skylines, busy downtowns, and major cities. But five states do not have a single city with more than 100,000 residents: Wyoming, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, and Delaware.
Their largest cities are:
- Wyoming: Cheyenne
- Vermont: Burlington
- Maine: Portland
- West Virginia: Charleston
- Delaware: Wilmington
This does not mean these states are empty or unimportant. Instead, their populations are spread across smaller cities, towns, suburbs, and rural communities. Many of these places still serve as major centers for government, business, education, tourism, and culture.
It is also important to remember that city population is based on official city limits. A city can feel much larger when you include nearby suburbs and surrounding metro areas.
These five states show that a city does not need a six-figure population to have a strong identity or major influence. From Maine’s coastal charm to Wyoming’s wide-open spaces, each state proves that smaller cities can still play a big role.