In a battle of state size, you might think Alaska wins the big award.
But we hear everything is bigger in Texas. Though, that may not always be true.
Today, we’re exploring the facts to determine whether the Lone Star State or the Last Frontier takes first prize in size.
Let’s jump in!
About Alaska
Alaska is the northernmost territory in the US and one of only two noncontiguous states. It formally became a state in 1959, but its history dates back far beyond that year.
Indigenous peoples inhabited this land long before Europeans arrived. In fact, it’s thought that ancestral Native Americans crossed the Bering Land Bridge from East Asia as many as 25,000 years ago.
Legally, Russia held claim over the land until 1867, when the US purchased it for $7.2 million. It was a hot spot for gold miners for the next few decades.
Nearly 100 years after the Alaska Purchase, energy companies discovered oil. It’s since been a significant source of revenue for the state, along with tourism.
By all accounts, Alaska’s landscape is breathtaking. And this is especially true along its thousands of miles of rugged coastline. Towering mountains descend into fjords where the Gulf of Alaska meets the land.
You can find more than three million lakes and 12,000 rivers throughout the state. As much as 40% of the nation’s surface water resources are in Alaska.
The Last Frontier is home to the largest national park, glacier, and mountain peak in the United States. It’s no wonder travelers head north in droves to witness these sights.
We wondered: Can You Drive To Alaska Safely?
About Texas
Other than its massive size and oil resources, Texas might be the opposite of Alaska. Its diverse landscapes include sub-tropical beaches, grasslands, and arid deserts. In Hill Country, fields of bluebonnets cover the countryside.
Influences from Indigenous peoples, such as Ancestral Puebloans, Mississippian nations, and Mesoamerican civilizations, result in a cultural melting pot.
Texas was under Spanish rule until the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, when Mexico gained control. In 1835, the Texas Revolution resulted in the land becoming an independent republic. Ten years later, it was declared an official US state.
We found 10 Amazing Experiences in Austin, Texas, for Under $20!
While you might think Texas is full of ranches and sprawling grasslands, plenty of cities exist to explore. Three of the country’s ten biggest cities are in Texas. And the State Capitol building has more square footage than any other in the US.
You may not know that three power grids keep things running in the United States. And one of those grids is solely devoted to Texas. It was developed during World War II to ensure no interruption to creating war supplies.
So is Alaska or Texas Bigger?
You might think everything’s bigger in Texas, but that’s not necessarily accurate. Alaska covers 663,267 square miles, nearly two and a half times larger than the Lone Star State. The Last Frontier is bigger than Texas, Montana, and California combined.
However, it’s worth noting that Texas comes in second place with 268,581 square miles of land. If it were its own country, it’d be the 40th largest by land mass. That’s not too shabby!
But Does Alaska Have a Bigger Population Than Texas?
Population size is where Texas has a leg up on Alaska. According to counts from 2022, Alaska had 733,583 residents, while the Lone Star State had more than 30 million. To put that into perspective, Texas has nearly 40 times more people than the Last Frontier.
Despite its remote location, Alaska isn’t in last place as far as population. Two other states, Vermont and Wyoming, have fewer people. But that’s not too surprising since there’s so much open space in Alaska.
Biggest Cities in Alaska
Although its population is relatively low, Alaska still has some big cities with lots to see and do. Here are the two largest by number of residents.
Anchorage
The city of Anchorage is a major tourist destination with 291,131 permanent residents. That’s nearly 40% of the state’s total population. It covers 1,944 square miles, making it the fourth-largest city in the US by physical size. Located on the Cook Inlet in the south-central part of the state, Anchorage is considered the gateway to Alaska’s wilderness.
There’s no shortage of annual events here. As with many other places in the US, folk festivals and beer weeks are common. But you’ll also find unusual experiences like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. And at the Fur Rendezvous, you can watch snow-sculpting competitions, fireworks shows, and dog sled races.
Fairbanks
Next in line is Fairbanks. The Golden Heart City is the second biggest in Alaska, with a population of 32,711. It’s in the central part of the state along the Tanana River.
Because of its altitude, it receives continuous daylight for 70 days from May to July, a phenomenon the locals call “civil twilight.” However, Fairbanks is also the perfect place to catch the Northern Lights.
When you visit, you’ll notice an emphasis on the area’s history. Gold mining was once a part of life here. You can still pan for nuggets or visit Dredge 8, a historic piece of mining equipment that once mined millions of pounds of valuable metal.
Biggest Cities in Texas
Texas has numerous big cities with plenty of attractions to explore. From the coast to the desert, there’s something for everyone. Here are two of the state’s largest metropolitan centers.
Houston
With over two million residents, Houston makes Anchorage look like a hamlet. While it’s not directly on the coast, it’s just inland from Galveston Island on the Gulf of Mexico.
The vibrant cultural scene includes art galleries, museums, live music, and outdoor attractions. More than 650 parks and greenways dot the city and surrounding areas.
Houston is also the Energy Capital of the World. NASA’s Johnson Center, which put the first man on the moon, is here. If you’re looking for international appeal and Southern charm, it’s the place to be.
San Antonio
For a taste of the Old West, it doesn’t get more authentic than San Antonio. After all, it’s home to the Alamo. With a population of 1.5 million, it’s the second-largest city in Texas.
The famous River Walk, a 15-mile stretch along the San Antonio River, features shops, restaurants, galleries, and much more. Of course, it lives up to its name as a highly walkable urban center, but you can also take relaxing boat tours through the city.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was Texas’ first World Heritage site. It includes the Alamo, Spanish missions, and other notable locations from the city’s past.
You’ll also find exciting nightlife, museums, galleries, and open-air shops throughout San Antonio.
Put it all together with this Colorful 1000-Piece United States Map!
Alaska and Texas are Both Big in Different Ways
While there’s no doubt that Texas is big, Alaska is much bigger, at least as far as square mileage is concerned. That said, both states have plenty to offer visitors. Arts and culture are plentiful in both locations. And although the two are wildly different, they both feature wide open spaces and a variety of enjoyable attractions.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: