In Reply to: Re: WTF is wrong with Idaho, No Dakota, Wyoming West Virginia? posted by russsmith on August 16, 2026 at 11:55:07
I added the emphasis.
============================
Population
They are among the least populous states in the US. Wyoming is the least populous state in the entire country, and the others are near the bottom of the list as well.
Economy
All four have economies heavily dependent on extractive industries — coal, oil, natural gas, and in Idaho's case also mining and agriculture. West Virginia and Wyoming in particular are among the most coal-dependent states in the nation.
Rural character
All four are predominantly rural with no major metropolitan areas. None has a city in the top 50 largest US cities.
No major professional sports teams
None of the four has an NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL franchise.