When discussing the sizes of U.S. states, Texas and California often come up due to their prominence in various aspects. In terms of land area, Texas surpasses California, making it the larger state.
Land Area: Texas vs. California
Total Area (Including Water)
- Texas: 268,596 square miles
- California: 163,696 square miles
Texas is significantly larger than California in total area. In fact, Texas is about 1.65 times the size of California.
Land Area (Excluding Water)
- Texas: 261,232 square miles
- California: 155,959 square miles
Even when excluding water bodies like lakes and rivers, Texas is still much bigger.
Why Is Texas Bigger Than California?
Texas was an independent republic before joining the U.S. in 1845. Its borders were set based on historical agreements, including treaties with Spain and Mexico. California, on the other hand, became a state in 1850 after the Mexican-American War. Its boundaries were shaped by geography, including the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges.
Water Bodies within the States
While Texas is larger in land area, it’s interesting to note the distribution of water within these states.
| State | Total Area (sq. miles) | Land Area (sq. miles) | Water Area (sq. miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 268,596 | 261,232 | 7,365 |
| California | 163,696 | 155,779 | 7,916 |
This table indicates that while Texas has a larger land area, California has a slightly greater water area, comprising about 4.8% of its total area compared to Texas’s 2.7%.
Population: California vs. Texas
While Texas is larger in land area, California has more people.
- California Population (2024 estimate): ~39 million
- Texas Population (2024 estimate): ~30 million
California is the most populous state in the U.S., while Texas is second. However, Texas is growing faster due to migration and lower costs of living. Some experts predict Texas could surpass California in population by 2050.
Economic Comparison
California Economy
- GDP (2024): ~$3.9 trillion (larger than most countries)
- Key Industries: Technology (Silicon Valley), entertainment (Hollywood), agriculture.
Texas Economy
- GDP (2024): ~$2.4 trillion
- Key Industries: Oil & gas, manufacturing, agriculture.
California has a bigger economy, but Texas is growing rapidly, especially in energy and tech.
Geographical Features
Beyond size, both states offer diverse geographical features:
- Texas: Known for its vast plains, deserts, and the Gulf of Mexico coastline, Texas’s varied terrain includes mountains like Guadalupe Peak, which stands at 8,751 feet (2,667 meters).
- California: Features a diverse landscape ranging from beaches along the Pacific Ocean to mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada.
Conclusion
In summary, Texas is the larger state when comparing land areas, but both Texas and California offer unique and diverse geographical features that contribute to their distinct identities.
