The United States has a nearly even split between women and men, but population patterns vary considerably from state to state. While women make up 50.8% of the nation’s civilian noninstitutionalized population, according to an analysis of the 2024 American Community Survey by KFF, several states have significantly higher shares of female residents.
Longer female life expectancy is one of the key reasons behind the difference. In 2024, American women had an average life expectancy of 81.4 years, compared with 76.5 years for men. As a result, women increasingly outnumber men in older age groups.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 81.6 men for every 100 women aged 65 and older in 2025. Among people aged 80 and above, that ratio dropped to 68.3 men for every 100 women.
Here are the eight states with the highest percentage of women.
1. Mississippi
Mississippi has the largest female share of any U.S. state.
Women make up approximately 52.2% of the state’s civilian noninstitutionalized population, while men account for 47.8%. That equals roughly 109 women for every 100 men.
Although Mississippi’s population has remained relatively stable in recent years, demographic factors such as age, mortality, and migration continue to contribute to its female majority.
2. Alabama
Women represent about 51.9% of Alabama’s population, compared with 48.1% for men.
The state has nearly 108 women for every 100 men.
Alabama’s population includes large metropolitan areas, military communities, college towns, and rural counties, all of which influence its overall demographic makeup.
3. Delaware
Delaware also reports women making up approximately 51.9% of its population.
Despite being one of the nation’s smallest states, Delaware has experienced steady population growth while maintaining a noticeable female majority.
The state has roughly 108 women for every 100 men.
4. Georgia
Georgia ranks next, with women accounting for about 51.8% of residents.
The state’s rapid population growth has not changed the overall balance, with women continuing to outnumber men across its diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Georgia has approximately 107 women for every 100 men.
5. Maryland
Women also make up roughly 51.8% of Maryland’s population.
The state combines large metropolitan regions, military installations, universities, and coastal communities, contributing to a varied demographic profile.
Maryland has about 107 women for every 100 men.
6. Louisiana
Louisiana reports women representing approximately 51.7% of its population.
Although the state has experienced slight population declines in recent years, women continue to maintain a clear numerical advantage.
Louisiana has roughly 107 women for every 100 men.
7. North Carolina
North Carolina’s female population share also stands at approximately 51.7%.
Despite rapid growth fueled by migration into cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, women continue to outnumber men statewide.
The state has about 107 women for every 100 men.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina rounds out the list with women making up approximately 51.7% of the population.
The state has experienced some of the fastest population growth in the country while maintaining a higher proportion of women, particularly in retirement communities.
South Carolina also has approximately 107 women for every 100 men.
Why Women Outnumber Men
Several factors contribute to these population differences.
The most significant is women’s longer average lifespan, which leads to larger female populations in older age groups. Migration patterns, retirement communities, employment opportunities, military populations, and local demographics also influence each state’s gender balance.
While six of the eight states are located in the South, experts note that no single factor explains the trend. Instead, it reflects a combination of age, health outcomes, migration, and population characteristics unique to each state.
| Rank | State | Women | Men | Women per 100 Men |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 52.2% | 47.8% | 109 |
| 2 | Alabama | 51.9% | 48.1% | 108 |
| 3 | Delaware | 51.9% | 48.1% | 108 |
| 4 | Georgia | 51.8% | 48.2% | 107 |
| 5 | Maryland | 51.8% | 48.2% | 107 |
| 6 | Louisiana | 51.7% | 48.3% | 107 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 51.7% | 48.3% | 107 |
| 8 | South Carolina | 51.7% | 48.3% | 107 |
The latest Census-based figures show that women hold a population advantage in several parts of the United States, particularly across Southern states. Although the differences may appear small in percentage terms, they represent substantial numbers of people and reflect long-term demographic trends shaped by life expectancy, migration, and age distribution.
FAQs
Which state has the highest share of women?
Mississippi has the highest percentage of women among U.S. states.
Why do women outnumber men in some states?
Longer life expectancy and migration patterns are major factors.
How many states on the list are in the South?
Six of the eight states are located in the South.
What data was used for the rankings?
KFF’s analysis of the 2024 American Community Survey.
Do women outnumber men nationwide?
Yes. Women make up 50.8% of the U.S. population analyzed.
