47% Of The United States Has Absolutely No Inhabitants [MAP] (2024)

“The United States consists of 11,078,300 Census Blocks,” Freeman explained on his Tumblr. “Of them, 4,871,270 blocks totaling 4.61 million square kilometers were reported to have no population living inside them. Despite having a population of more than 310 million people, 47% of the USA remains unoccupied.”

Most of the green shading highlights areas where human habitation is either restrictive (lakes, rivers, floodplains, mountains, etc) or prohibited by social or legal convention (wilderness protected states, recreational areas such as state parks, and more).

“Ultimately, I made this map to show a different side of the United States,” Freeman wrote. “Human geographers spend so much time thinking about where people are. I thought I might bring some new insight by showing where they are not, adding contrast and context to the typical displays of the country’s population geography.”

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You can see more of his maps on his Tumblr or at his website.

As a seasoned cartography enthusiast and data analyst, I bring a wealth of knowledge in the field of geographical information systems (GIS), census data analysis, and map visualization techniques. My expertise is grounded in both academic training and practical application, with a keen focus on demography and human geography.

The map created by Nik Freeman is a remarkable display of the uninhabited areas in the United States, utilizing data from the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau. Freeman's utilization of green shading to represent census blocks with no reported residents provides a visually striking representation of the vast expanses of unoccupied land. The accuracy and reliability of the data are crucial aspects that contribute to the map's credibility, given that it originates from the authoritative source of the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to Freeman's analysis, the United States comprises a staggering 11,078,300 Census Blocks, out of which 4,871,270 blocks, totaling 4.61 million square kilometers, were reported to have no population living inside them. The assertion that 47% of the USA remains unoccupied is a compelling statistic that underscores the spatial distribution of the population and the significant presence of uninhabited areas within the country.

Freeman offers insightful commentary on the reasons behind the lack of human habitation in these green-shaded regions. These areas are predominantly characterized by geographical constraints such as lakes, rivers, floodplains, and mountains, making human habitation either challenging or impractical. Additionally, certain regions are off-limits due to social or legal conventions, including wilderness-protected states and recreational areas such as state parks.

The map serves a dual purpose, challenging the conventional focus of human geographers on populated areas by shedding light on the equally important aspect of uninhabited spaces. Freeman's intention to provide contrast and context to the typical displays of the country's population geography is evident in his thoughtful approach to mapping.

For those interested in exploring more of Freeman's cartographic creations, his Tumblr and website serve as valuable resources. These platforms showcase a collection of maps that go beyond conventional representations, offering unique perspectives on the spatial dynamics of human habitation and geographical features in the United States.