The 10 Least Populated U.S. Capital Cities in 2024

Some people assume that a state’s capital city is the largest city in the state. However, many capitals are actually the smallest prominent cities in the state. In fact, the populations of the least populated capital cities are likely to surprise you. While some populations number as many as 40,000 residents, others don’t even reach 10,000 residents. Discover the 10 least populated cities in the United States, and find out about each city’s population growth rate, total area, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

10. Concord, New Hampshire

Sitting at number 10 on the list is Concord, New Hampshire. The population of Concord numbers 44,503 residents according to 2022 estimates (44,909 as of 2024). In addition, the population growth rate of the capital city measures 2.05%, as of 2020. The total area of Concord covers around 63.9 square miles, and the GDP per capita of the city measures $38,798.

3 Concord Facts

• Concord was established as the capital city of New Hampshire in 1808.
• Concord once featured the world’s largest meatball!
• Despite its small population, Concord is the third-largest city by population in New Hampshire.

9. Jefferson City, Missouri

Jefferson City, Missouri holds the title of the ninth-least populated city in the United States. The population of Jefferson City numbers 42,528 residents (42,417 in 2024), and the capital city claims a population growth rate of -0.83%. The total area of Jefferson City covers 36.1 square miles. In addition, Jefferson City’s GDP per capita measures $31,249.

3 Jefferson City Facts

• Jefferson City was selected as the state capital of Missouri in 1821.
• One educational institution in Jefferson City is Lincoln University, which is an HBCU.
• Historical figure and third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson inspired the name of this capital city.

8. Annapolis, Maryland

The capital city of Annapolis, Maryland claims a population of around 40,648 residents (40,253 in 2024), giving it the number eight ranking on the list of the least populated capital cities in the nation. Annapolis has had a population growth rate of -1.07% since 2020, and the city’s total area covers only 7.2 square miles. The GDP per capita of Annapolis measures $52,106.

3 Annapolis Facts

• “Providence” acted as the first name of Maryland’s capital city before “Annapolis.”
• This city was settled in 1649 and chosen as the state capital in 1694.
• Annapolis features the United States Naval Academy.

7. Dover, Delaware

Dover, Delaware holds the title of the seventh-least populated capital city in the United States with a population of 38,594 residents (37,354 in 2024). The population growth rate of Dover has measured -4.2% since 2020, and the total area of the city covers around 23.7 square miles. In addition, the GDP per capita of Dover measures $28,098.

3 Dover Facts

• Dover is the oldest capital city in the United States by statehood!
• Dover was established as Delaware’s state capital in 1781 despite being founded in 1717.
• The founder of Dover was William Penn, an English Quaker who helped establish the state of Pennsylvania.

6. Helena, Montana

With a population of around 33,885 residents (35,503 in 2024), the capital city of Helena holds the title of the sixth-least populated capital city in the nation. The city’s population growth rate measures a whopping 7.19% since 2020, and Helena covers around 16.8 square miles. In addition, the GDP per capita of Helena measures approximately $40,252.

3 Helena Facts

• Helena was established as Montana’s capital city in 1875.
• Tourism in the Helena National Forest helps support the economy of the capital city.
• The founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, grew up in Helena.

5. Juneau, Alaska

As the fifth-least populated city in the United States, Juneau claims a population of around 31,685 residents according to 2022 estimates (31,317 in 2024). In addition, the population growth rate for Juneau measures -2.05%. The city covers an expansive total area of 2,704 square miles! Furthermore, the GDP per capita of the city measures $45,607.

3 Juneau Facts

• Juneau became Alaska’s capital city in 1906.
• The capital city was named for Joe Juneau, who settled in the area in 1880 after discovering gold.
• The economy of Juneau heavily relies on the government as an employer as well as industries like forestry, fishing, and tourism.

4. Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort, Kentucky holds the number four spot on the list of the least-populated capital cities in the United States with a population of 28,391 residents (28,487 in 2024). In addition, the population growth rate of Frankfort measures -0.38%. The total area of Frankfort covers approximately 14.8 square miles, and the city claims a GDP per capita of $30,295 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

3 Frankfort Facts

• Frankfort was established as Kentucky’s capital city in 1792.
• Manufacturing is a primary industry that supports Frankfort’s economy, and the city produces goods like candy, clothing, electronics, and furniture.
• Growth and economic prosperity in Frankfort following World War II doubled the city’s population.

3. Augusta, Maine

The population of Augusta, Maine numbers 19,066 residents, as of 2022, making it the third-least populated capital city in the country (19,103 in 2024). Moreover, the population growth rate of Augusta measures 0.71%. The total area of the city covers around 55.1 square miles, and the GDP per capita of Augusta measures $29,578.

3 Augusta Facts

• Augusta became Maine’s capital city in 1827.
• Fort Western was the first permanent structure established in Augusta, and it was transformed into a museum and monument in 1922.
• The capital city was formerly known as Harrington, but its name changed to Augusta for Pamela Augusta, who was the daughter of a Revolutionary War general.

2. Pierre, South Dakota

Pierre, South Dakota holds the title of the second-least populated capital city in the United States. In addition, Pierre’s population is nearly double the size of the population of the least populous capital city. The population of Pierre measures just under 14,000 residents, according to estimates for the year 2022 (13,931 in 2024). Furthermore, the population growth rate of this capital city has measured -0.49% since 2020. The GDP per capita of the city measures $34,296, and Pierre covers only 13 square miles in total area.

3 Pierre Facts

• Pierre was introduced as the capital of South Dakota in 1889.
• The original people group that lived in the Pierre area were the Sioux Native Americans.
• Agriculture remains a large part of Pierre’s economy, producing crops like soybeans, sunflowers, oats, and corn as well as raising livestock.

1. Montpelier, Vermont

The city of Montpelier, Vermont has a population of around 8,023 residents (7,981 in 2024), making this capital city the smallest in the United States. In addition, the population growth rate for Montpelier measures -0.26%, as of 2020. The total area of the city only covers 10.1 square miles, and the GDP per capita measures approximately $45,497.

3 Montpelier Facts

• Montpelier was chosen as the capital city of Vermont in 1805.
• Montpelier, France, located in southern France close to the Mediterranean Sea, inspired the name of Vermont’s capital city.
• One popular activity near Montpelier includes skiing, and ski areas and resorts reside close to the capital city.

What is the Most Populated Capital City in the United States?

The most populated capital city in the United States is Phoenix, Arizona, which boasts a population of around 1.644 million residents according to 2022 estimates. In addition, the metropolitan area population of Phoenix numbers nearly five million residents! One interesting fact about Phoenix is that it is the fifth-most populated city in the country, following cities like Houston and Los Angeles. This capital city also covers 517.7 square miles in total area and has had a population growth rate of 2.48% since 2020. Finally, the GDP per capita of Phoenix measures $33,718.

The 10 Least Populated Capital Cities in 2024: A Summary

The 10 Least Populated Capital Cities vs. the Most Populated City in Each State: A Comparison