Average Height by State in the US (2026)

How tall are Americans—and does it depend on where you live? The answer is yes, modestly. While the US national average sits near 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women, state-level averages vary by several centimeters. This guide presents estimated average heights for all 50 states in 2026, explains why those differences exist, and links to tools that put your personal height in context.

US National Averages (2026 Reference)

Before diving into state data, here are the national benchmarks from CDC/NHANES 2017–2020:

• Adult men: ~175 cm (5'9") mean height
• Adult women: ~162 cm (5'4") mean height

Compare your height instantly with our U.S. Adult Height Percentile Calculator or explore our dedicated average height in the USA page.

Average Height by State: Full 50-State Table

The table below shows estimated mean adult heights by state. Figures combine NHANES regional sampling, CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) self-reported data (adjusted for known bias), and published epidemiological studies. Values are rounded to the nearest centimeter.

Sources: CDC NHANES, BRFSS, NCD-RisC regional estimates. Self-reported heights tend to overstate true stature by ~1–2 cm; values here are adjusted where possible.

Regional Patterns Across the US

State height maps reveal clear—but not absolute—regional clusters:

Midwest and Mountain West

States like Minnesota, Utah, Montana, and the Dakotas often rank tallest. European ancestry, strong agricultural economies, good childhood nutrition, and lower urban density may contribute. Average male heights here approach 178–179 cm (5'10"–5'10.5").

South and Southeast

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia tend toward the lower end of the US range—roughly 176 cm (5'9.5") for men. Higher poverty rates, healthcare disparities, and different demographic compositions play roles.

Hawaii and Urban Coastal States

Hawaii has among the shortest US averages (~175 cm men), reflecting diverse Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry with different population height norms. Dense urban states show mixed patterns influenced by immigration.

Why State Averages Differ

• Genetics and ancestry: State populations have different ethnic compositions
• Childhood nutrition: WIC, school lunch quality, and food insecurity vary by state
• Healthcare access: Prenatal and pediatric care affects growth
• Socioeconomics: Income inequality correlates with height outcomes
• Urbanization: Rural Midwestern states often differ from dense coastal metros

How to Use This Data

State averages are population statistics—not targets or norms for individuals. If you want to know where you stand, use sex-specific tools: the male height calculator or female height calculator. For children, see our child height calculator.

Limitations of State Height Data

No single survey measures every resident in every state annually. NHANES uses a national sample too small for precise state estimates; BRFSS relies on self-report. Our table synthesizes multiple sources and should be treated as best estimates, not clinical measurements.

Conclusion

US state height averages cluster within a relatively narrow band—roughly 175–179 cm for men and 160–166 cm for women—compared to the wider global range. Regional differences reflect history, demographics, and public health. For personal percentile rankings powered by CDC data, visit heightpercentile.com.

State Rankings: Tallest and Shortest

Among the 50 states, Minnesota and Utah consistently appear at or near the top for average male height (~179 cm), while Hawaii and several Southeastern states cluster toward the lower end (~175–176 cm for men). Female rankings follow similar geographic patterns, with Mountain West and Upper Midwest states averaging 165–166 cm and Hawaii averaging near 160 cm.

These rankings shift slightly depending on whether data comes from self-reported BRFSS surveys or measured NHANES samples. Measured data is generally preferred but rarely available at state granularity; our estimates adjust self-reported figures downward by approximately 1–2 cm where appropriate.

Comparing States to National Percentiles

If you live in a tall state like Minnesota, being 5'10" as a man may feel average locally even though it ranks above the national 50th percentile. Conversely, the same height in a shorter region may feel relatively tall. Population averages do not change your personal CDC percentile—only your measured height, sex, and age do.

Use our height statistics hub for broader context, or jump directly to sex-specific calculators linked above.

Historical Trends in US State Height

Americans grew taller throughout the 20th century as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare improved. Since the 1980s, national growth has plateaued, but some states continue modest gains while others lag. Public health investments in early childhood—including WIC expansion and school nutrition programs—correlate with better growth outcomes at the state level over multi-decade horizons.

Data Sources Explained

Our state estimates draw on three primary sources: CDC NHANES measured heights (national benchmark), BRFSS state-level self-reports (geographic distribution), and peer-reviewed regional epidemiology. Where state-specific measured data is unavailable, we apply demographic adjustment factors based on state ethnic composition and socioeconomic indicators. Treat these as informed estimates for educational purposes, not medical reference standards.