Water sources significantly impact various aspects of a state, from local wildlife and plant life to recreational activities such as boating, which residents and visitors can enjoy. Lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water can shape a small town or a large city, affecting the jobs that contribute to a state’s economy, the availability of food, and the weather.
However, the percentage of a state's total water area varies drastically: while water makes up over 40% of the area in some states, it comprises less than 1% in others. To create a ranked list of each state's water composition, our research team at SI Yachts analyzed data from the U.S. Geological Survey, which used the Census Bureau's 2010 state area measurements. The result is a list of the 50 U.S. states ranked by the percentage of water area they contain.
Michigan is known as the "Great Lakes State" and for good reason. This Midwestern state is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. It also boasts inland lakes, including Houghton Lake, Torch Lake, and Lake Charlevoix. Remarkably, the state comprises 41.5% water.
Visitors flock to Michigan's lake towns when the weather's warm. Along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, South Haven offers ample yachting and other boating opportunities. About 20 miles north, Saugatuck is another coastal town perfect for swimming and biking along scenic trails. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, nicknamed the U.P., features lakeside destinations like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Michigan has the highest percentage of area covered by water, while Alaska has the largest total amount of water, measuring 94,743 square miles, compared to Michigan’s approximately 40,175 square miles.
The states with the highest percentages of water area after Michigan are:
Hawaii: A group of islands, Hawaii is surrounded by water, making it an ideal destination for people looking to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the beach. Its 4,509 square miles of water comprise 41.2% of its total area.
Rhode Island: As the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island has a considerable portion of its area covered in water, accounting for 33.1% of its total 511 square miles.
Massachusetts: This state is home to several significant bodies of water, including the 412-billion-gallon Quabbin Reservoir an the 80-mile-long Charles River, which flows into Boston Harbor. Water covers 2,754 square miles of Massachusetts, accounting for 26.1% of its total area.
Unsurprisingly, New Mexico, known for its arid climate and vast deserts, is ranked among the driest states. Only 0.2% of the state’s total area is water.
Home to Sante Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico features North America's largest desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and serves as a prime destination for hikers looking to explore canyons. However, there are limited opportunities for swimming since the state has only 292 square miles of water.
The states with the lowest percentages of water area after New Mexico are:
Arizona: New Mexico's neighbor is also known for its desert climate and dry tourist destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Petrified Forest National Park. It has a slightly higher percentage of water area than New Mexico at 0.3%, with only 396 square miles of water.
Colorado: Denver and Boulder may offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in places like Rocky Mountain National Park. Still, locations for water sports are a bit harder to find. Colorado has only 452 square miles of water, making up 0.4% of its total area.
Kansas: The Sunflower State is a major contributor to the country's crop and livestock production, and it is also one of the driest states. Its 520 square miles of water account for just 0.6% of the state known for its open plains.
When comparing the percentage of total water in the country to that of individual states, the country ranks close to the middle. Water comprises 7% of the country's total area, a higher percentage than in 32 states but lower than in the remaining 18 states.
Situated along the breathtaking East Coast, we are privileged to be located in some of the most water-abundant states in the country: Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Rhode Island. These stunning locales offer a wealth of waterways, from tranquil lakes to expansive ocean channels. If you are in the market for a high-quality used yacht for sale or eager to discover the latest and most innovative yacht brands, SI Yachts is your ultimate resource.
Our extensive selection encompasses a wide variety of vessels, including spacious and stylish used power catamarans designed for family adventures and memorable outings, as well as timeless Sunseeker Yachts known for their craftsmanship and elegance. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, we proudly feature new models from esteemed manufacturers such as Pardo Yachts, which are celebrated for their performance and durability, along with the sophisticated new Valhalla Boats, which epitomize style and cutting-edge design.
We invite you to connect with our knowledgeable team or visit one of our many conveniently located showrooms today to explore the incredible yachting options available and embark on your next nautical journey.
| Ranking | State | Total Area (square miles) | Land Area (square miles) | Water Area (square miles) | Water Area of Each State (percentage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 96,714 | 56,539 | 40,175 | 41.50% |
| 2 | Hawaii | 10,932 | 6,423 | 4,509 | 41.20% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,545 | 1,034 | 511 | 33.10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 10,554 | 7,800 | 2,754 | 26.10% |
| 5 | Maryland | 12,406 | 9,707 | 2,699 | 21.80% |
| 6 | Delaware | 2,489 | 1,949 | 540 | 21.70% |
| 7 | Florida | 65,758 | 53,625 | 12,133 | 18.50% |
| 8 | Louisiana | 52,378 | 43,204 | 9,174 | 17.50% |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 65,496 | 54,158 | 11,339 | 17.30% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 8,723 | 7,354 | 1,368 | 15.70% |
| 11 | Alaska | 665,384 | 570,641 | 94,743 | 14.20% |
| 12 | New York | 54,555 | 47,126 | 7,429 | 13.60% |
| 13 | Maine | 35,380 | 30,843 | 4,537 | 12.80% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 5,543 | 4,842 | 701 | 12.60% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 53,819 | 48,618 | 5,201 | 9.70% |
| 16 | Ohio | 44,826 | 40,861 | 3,965 | 8.80% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 86,936 | 79,627 | 7,309 | 8.40% |
| 18 | Virginia | 42,775 | 39,490 | 3,285 | 7.70% |
| 19 | Washington | 71,298 | 66,456 | 4,842 | 6.80% |
| 20 | South Carolina | 32,020 | 30,061 | 1,960 | 6.10% |
| 21 | California | 163,695 | 155,779 | 7,916 | 4.80% |
| 22 | New Hampshire | 9,349 | 8,953 | 397 | 4.20% |
| 23 | Vermont | 9,616 | 9,217 | 400 | 4.20% |
| 24 | Illinois | 57,914 | 55,519 | 2,395 | 4.10% |
| 25 | Alabama | 52,420 | 50,645 | 1,775 | 3.40% |
| 26 | Georgia | 59,425 | 57,513 | 1,912 | 3.20% |
| 27 | Utah | 84,897 | 82,170 | 2,727 | 3.20% |
| 28 | Mississippi | 48,432 | 46,923 | 1,509 | 3.10% |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | 46,054 | 44,743 | 1,312 | 2.80% |
| 30 | Texas | 268,596 | 261,232 | 7,365 | 2.70% |
| 31 | North Dakota | 70,698 | 69,001 | 1,698 | 2.40% |
| 32 | Oregon | 98,379 | 95,988 | 2,391 | 2.40% |
| 33 | Kentucky | 40,408 | 39,486 | 921 | 2.30% |
| 34 | Tennessee | 42,144 | 41,235 | 909 | 2.20% |
| 35 | Arkansas | 53,179 | 52,035 | 1,143 | 2.10% |
| 36 | Oklahoma | 69,899 | 68,595 | 1,304 | 1.90% |
| 37 | South Dakota | 77,116 | 75,811 | 1,305 | 1.70% |
| 38 | Indiana | 36,420 | 35,826 | 593 | 1.60% |
| 39 | Missouri | 69,707 | 68,742 | 965 | 1.40% |
| 40 | Idaho | 83,569 | 82,643 | 926 | 1.10% |
| 41 | Montana | 147,040 | 145,546 | 1,494 | 1.00% |
| 42 | West Virginia | 24,230 | 24,038 | 192 | 0.80% |
| 43 | Iowa | 56,273 | 55,857 | 416 | 0.70% |
| 44 | Nebraska | 77,348 | 76,824 | 524 | 0.70% |
| 45 | Nevada | 110,572 | 109,781 | 791 | 0.70% |
| 46 | Wyoming | 97,813 | 97,093 | 720 | 0.70% |
| 47 | Kansas | 82,278 | 81,759 | 520 | 0.60% |
| 48 | Colorado | 104,094 | 103,642 | 452 | 0.40% |
| 49 | Arizona | 113,990 | 113,594 | 396 | 0.30% |
| 50 | New Mexico | 121,590 | 121,298 | 292 | 0.20% |