A place’s size doesn’t always determine its uniqueness, natural charm, or rich heritage—as the smallest town in Wyoming, Lost Springs, attests. Phoenix, Arizona, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Southwest, has 1,664,896 residents, making it the most populous state capital, according to a 2024 study by World Population Review. But what do the statistics say about capital cities that are much smaller, like Frankfort, Montpelier, and Concord?
Considering that many state capital cities are actually capitals, the resident counts in many of them are shockingly low. World Population Review lists the least populated US state capitals as follows.
Summary:
- With a population of 7,89, Montpelier, Vermont is the least populated US capital cities by population, but it still has a lot to offer in terms of cultural and recreational activities.
- Pierre, South Dakota, and Augusta, Maine, two more of the least populated US capital cities by population, each with distinctive attractions and lifestyles.
- As is the case with Dover, the capital of Maryland, the majority of the US state capitals with the lowest populations may be small today, but some of them weren’t the original state capitals.
Top 10 Least Populated US Capital Cities
- Montpelier, Vermont
- Pierre, South Dakota
- Augusta, Maine
- Frankfort, Kentucky
- Juneau, Alaska
- Helena, Montana
- Dover, Delaware
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Jefferson City, Missouri
- Concord, New Hampshire
Top 10 Least Populated US Capital Cities By Population in detail:
10.Concord, New Hampshire
- 44,909 people live there.
- Attractions: Franklin Pierce Statue; Pierce Manse (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 3 pm; $10/adult); New Hampshire State.
- House (free; Monday to Friday; 8 am to 4 pm).
- Cost of a typical home: $379,374.
- Rent on average is $1,850.
- 14.9 crimes committed per 1,000 residents.
Concord, which gained notoriety in the 19th century for its exquisite stagecoaches and carriages—as evidenced by the little emblems left all over the city—became the state capital of New Hampshire in 1808 as a result of the prosperous granite quarries, textile, and printing industries. With a variety of attractions including museums, historic sites, and wildlife sanctuaries, Concord is a fantastic place to take a vacation.
9.Jefferson City, Missouri
- 42,417 people live there.
- Missouri State Museum (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free); Runge Nature Center (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; free).
- Average Cost of a House: $234,001.
- $615 is the average rent price.
- 21.19 per 1000 residents is the crime rate.
Jefferson City, named for U.S. President Thomas Jefferson retained its quaint and serene small-town atmosphere even after it was elevated to the status of state capital in 1821 thanks to its strategic location and easy access to the River. Its tree-lined downtown is a haven for live music enthusiasts, artists, and antiques seekers.
8.Annapolis, Maryland
- 40,253 people live there.
- Attractions include Sandy Point State Park (from $4 per person), the Historic District, and the Maryland State House (8:30 am to 5:00 pm; free).
- Average Cost of a House: $564,512/
- Rent on average is $2,188.
- 25.17 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
One of the smallest state capitals in terms of population is the seaside city of Annapolis. When the United States government was headquartered there in 1783, it was first designated as the capital of Maryland and played a major role in the formation of the country. It makes sense that it has so many historically significant structures and residences, like Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church and the James Brice House, that have been preserved.
7.Dover, Delaware
- 37,354 people in the population.
- Attractions: The Old State House (Wednesday to Saturday; 10 am to 4:30 pm; donations welcome); Delaware State Police Museum (Tuesday to Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm).
- Average Cost of a House: $306,555.
- Rent on average costs $1,100.
- 55.53 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
Dover replaced New Castle as the capital of Delaware in 1777 due to its strategic location and relative safety from British raiders operating along the Delaware River. These days, it has a decidedly suburban vibe and is crammed with greenery and historical sites.
6.Helena, Montana
- 35,503 people live there.
- Attractions: Montana State Capitol (free) (Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6 pm; weekends, 9:00 am to 3 pm); Cathedral of St. Helena (6:30 am to 6 pm).
- Average Cost of a House: $440,467.
- Rent on average is $1,465.
- 39.66 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
Because of the booming gold-rush activities in the area, Helena was chosen as the capital of Montana Territory in 1875. These days, Helena is a bustling cultural hub with a plethora of engaging events and attractions, particularly from June to October. In addition, the city serves as an easy jumping off point for visiting well-known US national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone.
5.Juneau, Alaska
- 31,317 people live there.
- Tours: Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience (from $79/person); Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure (from $359/person).
- Average Cost of a Home: $461,470; Average Cost of Rent: $1,345.
- 23.58 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
The city of Juneau, named for Canadian miner Joe Juneau, is one of Alaska’s most picturesque locations and the state capital since 1906. It was chosen for the position due to its mining industry, accessibility to Seattle, and opportunities for outdoor activities like dog sledding and whale watching. Natural gems like the Mendenhall Ice Caves and a breathtaking ice field are just a few of the state’s many natural beauties.
4.Frankfort, Kentucky
- 28,487 people live there.
- Tours: Bourbon and History Walking Tour ($11); Rebecca Ruth Chocolate Tour & Museum (from $8).
- Average Cost of a Home: $238,800.
- $933 is the average rent price.
- 22.72 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
Frankfort, which is located on the Kentucky River, is well-known for its natural beauty, Civil War history, historic downtown, excellent bourbon, and public art. It attracted more laborers than any other city at the time to build a statehouse, and as a result, it became the capital in 1792.
3.Augusta, Maine
- 19,103 people live there.
- Attractions: Old Fort Western (7:45 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday; $15 per adult); Vaughan Woods State Park; Maine State.
- House (8 am to 5 pm, free); Average Home Price: $256,848.
- Rent on average costs $1,108.
- 43.53 is the crime rate per 1000 residents.
Augusta, one of the most picturesque cities among the least populated US capital cities, is situated on the Kennebec River. It was first made the capital in 1827, seven years after Maine’s admission to the Union. Today, it’s a family-friendly vacation spot well-known for two things: its excellent dining options, Victorian architecture, and Fort Western, the oldest wooden fort in the United States and a former British colonial outpost on the river.
2.Pierre, South Dakota
- 13,931 people in total
- Attractions include the Oahe Dam, which is free to visit, the South Dakota State Historical Society, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5
- p.m., and the South Dakota State Capitol.
- Average Cost of a Home: $267,106; Average Cost of Rent: $1,092
- 21.14 is the crime rate per 1,000 residents.
Pierre, known for its printing, irrigation, and electrical industries, may be one of the least populated US capital cities, but its abundance of outdoor activities—particularly hunting and fishing—more than make up for it. Due to its strategic location, the city was historically chosen to become the capital of South Dakota in 1890 after a political conflict with the town of Mitchell, which was situated farther east.
1.Montpelier, Vermont
- 7,891 people live there.
- Attractions include the Waterbury Village Historic District, the Gold Brooke Covered Bridge, Hubbard Park (7 am to 9 pm), Kenneth.
- Ward Park (6 am to 8:30 pm; free), and the Vermont State House (8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday).
- Average Cost of a House: $365,000.
- The mean rental amount is $1,475.
- 22.19 is the crime rate per 1,000 residents.
Because of its strategic location, ease of access to roads and waterways, and political neutrality, Montpelier was chosen to serve as the capital of Vermont in 1805. Though it may be the least populated US capital cities today, it offers an abundance of recreational, cultural, and educational offerings, including art galleries, museums, performance spaces, boutique hotels and inns, farm-to-table restaurants, and historic buildings.
