The United States is a land of extremes—lush, water-rich landscapes in some regions and arid, parched terrain in others. A recent ranking from Staten Island Yachts highlights just how much water each state has, measured by the percentage of its total area covered by water. Read the full ranking here.
The Water Giants: Which States Reign Supreme? At the top of the list is Michigan, known as the Great Lakes State for a reason. It borders four out of five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—and boasts numerous inland lakes such as Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Houghton Lake. Michigan doesn’t just have a lot of water; it has the highest percentage of its area covered by water.
However, if we’re talking about sheer volume, Alaska takes the crown. With its thousands of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, Alaska holds the most total water, even if it doesn’t have the highest percentage of coverage.
Other water-rich states include:
• Hawaii – Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and dotted with freshwater lakes and streams.
• Rhode Island – The smallest U.S. state but packed with bays, inlets, and coastal waters.
• Massachusetts – Home to Cape Cod, numerous bays, and a substantial portion of the Atlantic coastline.
Where Water is Scarce: The Driest States in the U.S. On the other end of the spectrum, some states are defined by their dryness. New Mexico ranks dead last, with only 0.2% of its land covered by water. Given that it’s home to the vast Chihuahuan Desert, this is no surprise.
Right behind New Mexico, Arizona ranks among the driest states, despite natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and its share of the Colorado River. Kansas also makes the list—not a desert state, but one dominated by open, dry prairie land. Colorado, with its towering mountains, similarly lacks water-covered areas.
How Water Shapes the States Water isn’t just a statistic—it influences everything from climate to recreation to the economy. Water-rich states often have thriving fishing industries, boating cultures, and tourism centered around lakes and coastlines. Drier states, on the other hand, may boast stunning desert landscapes and hiking trails but fewer opportunities for water-based activities.
Whether you’re looking for a water lover’s paradise or a land of dry, sweeping vistas, the U.S. has a place for you.
