As of 2026, the Northeast United States includes 11 states with about 67 million residents.
What are the state capitals of the Northeast?
The Northeast state capitals are Albany (NY), Augusta (ME), Boston (MA), Concord (NH), Hartford (CT), Harrisburg (PA), Montpelier (VT), Providence (RI), Trenton (NJ), Dover (DE), and Annapolis (MD).
Here’s the full list with their 2026 estimated populations and major cities:
| State | Capital | Population (2026 est.) | Major City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Hartford | 3.65 million | Bridgeport |
| Delaware | Dover | 1.03 million | Wilmington |
| Maine | Augusta | 1.39 million | Portland |
| Maryland | Annapolis | 6.18 million | Baltimore |
| Massachusetts | Boston | 7.03 million | Boston |
| New Hampshire | Concord | 1.40 million | Manchester |
| New Jersey | Trenton | 9.29 million | Newark |
| New York | Albany | 20.1 million | New York City |
| Pennsylvania | Harrisburg | 12.97 million | Philadelphia |
| Rhode Island | Providence | 1.09 million | Providence |
| Vermont | Montpelier | 647,000 | Burlington |
How many states are in the Northeast?
There are 11 states in the Northeast.
That’s right—11 states packed into a relatively small area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this region packs more than 45% of the country’s most influential metro areas into just 181,324 square miles.
What’s the largest capital in the Northeast by population?
Albany, New York, is the largest capital by population with about 20.1 million residents in its metro area.
No surprise there—New York dominates the Northeast in just about every category. Boston and Philadelphia follow, but Albany’s metro area is comfortably in first place.
Which Northeast capital has the smallest population?
Montpelier, Vermont, has the smallest capital population at around 647,000.
Honestly, this makes sense. Vermont’s total population is small, and Montpelier’s role as capital doesn’t change that. Burlington, its largest city, has about twice as many people.
What’s the most populous state in the Northeast?
New York is the most populous state in the Northeast with roughly 20.1 million residents.
New York’s population dwarfs the others—Massachusetts comes in second at about 7 million. Pennsylvania and New Jersey aren’t far behind, but New York stands alone at the top.
What’s the least populous state in the Northeast?
Vermont is the least populous state in the Northeast with about 647,000 residents.
Vermont’s tiny population reflects its rural character. Even its capital, Montpelier, is the smallest in the region by a wide margin.
Which Northeast capital shares its name with its state’s largest city?
Boston, Massachusetts, is the only capital that shares its name with the state’s largest city.
Boston isn’t just the capital—it’s also the biggest city in Massachusetts by far. Providence, Rhode Island, comes close, but Providence is both the capital and the largest city there too. (Yes, we’re counting that one too.)
What’s the northernmost capital in the Northeast?
Augusta, Maine, is the northernmost capital in the Northeast.
Maine’s capital sits way up north, near the Canadian border. Augusta’s location makes it the closest capital to the Arctic Circle in the continental U.S.
What’s the southernmost capital in the Northeast?
Annapolis, Maryland, is the southernmost capital in the Northeast.
Maryland’s capital sits right on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s the closest capital to Washington, D.C., too—just a 45-minute drive away.
Which Northeast capital is closest to the Atlantic Ocean?
Augusta, Maine, is the closest capital to the Atlantic Ocean.
Augusta sits about 50 miles inland from the coast. Boston and Providence are closer, but they’re also major coastal cities—not just capitals.
Which Northeast capital is farthest from the Atlantic Ocean?
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is the farthest capital from the Atlantic Ocean.
Harrisburg sits about 150 miles inland. That’s farther from the coast than any other Northeast capital.
What’s the highest elevation capital in the Northeast?
Montpelier, Vermont, is the highest elevation capital in the Northeast at about 500 feet above sea level.
Montpelier sits in a valley, but Vermont’s hilly terrain makes it the highest capital in the region. Augusta and Concord aren’t far behind.
What’s the lowest elevation capital in the Northeast?
Annapolis, Maryland, is the lowest elevation capital in the Northeast at about 20 feet above sea level.
Annapolis sits right on the Chesapeake Bay. Its coastal location keeps it low—unlike Harrisburg, which sits on higher ground.
Which Northeast capital has the coldest average winter temperature?
Augusta, Maine, has the coldest average winter temperature among Northeast capitals.
Maine’s winters are no joke. Augusta’s average January lows dip below 10°F, making it the coldest capital in the region.
Which Northeast capital has the warmest average winter temperature?
Annapolis, Maryland, has the warmest average winter temperature among Northeast capitals.
Annapolis, Maryland, has the warmest average winter temperature among Northeast capitals.
Maryland’s coastal location keeps temperatures milder in winter. Annapolis’s average January lows stay above 25°F, the warmest in the Northeast.
