Flattest States

The United States is a country of geographical extremes, from the soaring heights of Alaska's Denali to the sea-level beaches of Florida. But some of the most interesting geographical stories come from the places where the land doesn't rise very much at all: the nation's flattest states. Here, expansive, open skies and seemingly endless horizons provide a unique sense of space and freedom.

The measurement considered in determining the 'flatness' of these states is the difference in elevation across a state, from its lowest point to its highest. The exact values vary owing to the methodology and geographical data used, but a comprehensive analysis can lead to illuminating comparisons between states.

Key findings from the data include:

• Florida is the flattest state in the U.S., with a measly elevation difference of 345 feet across the entire state. The next flattest states are Kentucky and Delaware, with an elevation difference of 388 and 450 feet, respectively.
• The Top 5 flattest states in descending order are Florida, Kentucky, Delaware, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These states have elevation differences of less than 1000 feet.
• Among these flattest states, Mississippi shows a noticeably higher elevation difference (807 feet), indicating larger topographical diversity within the state.
• States such as Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, commonly associated with the "flat" Midwest, only rank 7th, 8th, and 9th in terms of flatness.
• In stark contrast, Alaska is the most elevation dense state, with an astounding elevation difference of over 20,000 feet.

Understanding the topography of America's states allows for intriguing inter-state comparisons, invaluable understandings for infrastructure development, environmental studies, and even a better appreciation of the variety of the country's landscapes.

The ten states with the highest values of 'flatness', in other words, the smallest state elevation difference, are Florida, Kentucky, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Iowa. 

Florida, known for its expansive beaches and flat terrain, has the smallest elevation difference among all the states with only 345 feet. Kentucky follows up next with a slightly larger elevation difference of 388 feet. Not far behind, we find Delaware with 450 feet in elevation difference. Louisiana sees a bit of a jump with an elevation difference of 542 feet.

Mississippi and Rhode Island have elevation differences of 807 and 814 feet respectively. Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio each demonstrate an elevation difference within the range of 935 feet to 1,093 feet. Lastly, Iowa, although relatively flat, has the highest elevation difference among these states noted for their flat terrain, with a range of 1,191 feet.

The Flattest States in America:

1. Florida - 345 feet
2. Kentucky - 388 feet
3. Delaware - 450 feet
4. Louisiana - 542 feet
5. Mississippi - 807 feet
6. Rhode Island - 814 feet
7. Indiana - 935 feet
8. Illinois - 958 feet
9. Ohio - 1,093 feet
10. Iowa - 1,191 feet