Let’s just say it’s a lot easier to socially distance in some cities more than others.
Does the pandemic have you craving more space to spread out? We all have a new appreciation for personal space — not to mention, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and hugs. That makes this a prime time to shine the spotlight on the least crowded cities in the U.S. Crowds will never be an issue, mostly because there’s a lot of land area for every person living there.
Finding the least crowded cities in the U.S.
We scoured our data to find the cities with the smallest population per square mile, narrowing it down to spots with at least 50,000 people that covered a minimum of five square miles.
Our top 10 list of the least crowded cities includes places from coast to coast and every corner in between. You’ve heard of a few of these spots but prepare for a few surprises.
10. Norfolk, VA
- Residents per square mile: 712.27
- Total population: 242,742
Home to the largest naval station in the world, Norfolk is on the East Coast along the Chesapeake Bay. Tour a World War II battleship, or spend your time wandering one of many green parks or seven miles of sandy beaches.
Oh, you like sports? You’re in the right place if you want to join an adult league team, or perhaps catch a Norfolk Tides game — the AAA team for the Boston Orioles.
Not only is there plenty of greenery and coastal scenery to go around, but you won’t cram into these scenic spots with too many others. With the highest walkability score on our list, Norfolk’s 340 square miles feature a comfortable, not-too-crowded density. So what’ll it set you back to live by the sea? Budget for around $1,311 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
9. Lehi, UT
- Residents per square mile: 700.18
- Total population: 69,724
Named after a prophet in the book of Mormon, Lehi is on the shores of Utah Lake, not far from the southern shore of the much larger Great Salt Lake. This SLC suburb offers plenty of parks and other scenic enclaves. You’ll also find a rich history dating back to the pioneer days in Utah’s sixth oldest city.
Sure, Salt Lake City and its big city population may get all the acclaim, but Lehi is looking a whole lot better now that we all have a new appreciation for a little bit of space. So how much will it cost you to enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the Timpanogos Mountains? Somewhere around $1,500 per month.
8. Fargo, ND
- Residents per square mile: 697.37
- Total population: 124,662
It’s about time this Midwestern Great Planes city got a shout-out that doesn’t involve wood chippers or distinctive accents, eh?
The truth is, living in Fargo is about more than all of that wide-open landscape. Home of North Dakota State University, Fargo also hosts a celebrated farmers market, multiple craft breweries and an event that’s definitely going on our calendar: The Fargo Bacon & Beer Festival.
Get ready to find your favorite Fargo neighborhood, dust off your warmest winter coat and invest in some waders (flooding is very real here). Your dollar should go fairly far in Fargo, with a one-bedroom apartment coming in right around $826.
7. Augusta, GA
- Residents per square mile: 654.24
- Total population: 197,888
When you think of this Georgia city, does the image of a green sport coat immediately come to mind? You’re not alone. The annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National is one of golf’s most celebrated events. Sure, tickets are a little hard to come by, but here’s an insider’s tip. If you can manage to get in, food and beer at the tournament are a true bargain.
But there’s plenty to do here beyond the green. Stroll along the Savannah River on the Augusta Riverwalk, and stop by the Augusta Museum of History to pay homage to hometown hero, James Brown.
Why not stay a while to soak up that Southern charm? Setting up shop here in Augusta will set you back about $1,013 per month.
6. Casper, WY
- Residents per square mile: 528.23
- Total population: 57,931
Central Wyoming just sounds like wide-open spaces, doesn’t it? Here in Casper, there’s plenty to do outside, no matter the season. From skiing and snowshoeing to hiking and mountain biking, social distancing isn’t so bad when you’re doing something fun outside. And hey, things could be worse — or harder, at least. Just consider what the pioneers had to go through when settling this area.
Ready to hitch your wagon and head for Wyoming? This is an ideal time to embrace all that space. So what will it cost you to live in these parts? Count on spending around $654 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment.
5. Chino Hills, CA
- Residents per square mile: 437.92
- Total population: 83,853
Sandwiched between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Chino Hills was named for its rolling green hills. Home to mostly horses and dairy farms before the 1970s, this corner of California still offers plenty of land area. Sometimes called “one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets,” you’ll find good schools, excellent job opportunities and ample rural beauty.
Expect to pay about $2,241 per month in rent, but chances are you can comfortably cover it with your salary. Here in Chino Hills, the median income is $103,552 — the highest among our top 10.
4. Tinley Park, IL
- Residents per square mile: 385.55
- Total population: 55,773
First things first, Tinley Park is technically a village. It’s also one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Chicago.
And while Chicago may get all of the attention, the Windy City can’t offer you these uncrowded spaces. Located just 45 minutes south of the big city — and its ginormous lake, the village offers a slower pace that’s well suited for the current times.
Home of the Downtown Tinley Irish Parade, Farmers Market and Music in the Plaza, Tinley Park is a fantastic place to raise a family. In fact, back in 2009, BusinessWeek voted this the No. 1 place in America to do just that. Ready to settle in, spread out and plant some roots in this Midwest gem? Budget in around $1,678 per month in rent.
3. Indio, CA
- Residents per square mile: 229.32
- Total population: 91,765
Perhaps best known as the home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, this city serves up a desert landscape as far as the eye can see. And sunshine. Lots and lots of sunshine. The fastest-growing city in Eastern Riverside County, Indio welcomes no fewer than 1.4 million visitors every year. Why? Beyond Coachella, the City of Festivals hosts all sorts of entertainment that’s worth traveling for throughout the year.
Kick back in Palm Springs, just 23 miles away, or hop in the car and head west for a road trip to Los Angeles, just two hours away (depending on traffic). Are you warm-blooded enough to embrace the desert? Plan on forking over $1,390 per month in rent.
2. St. Joseph, MO
- Residents per square mile: 199.53
- Total population: 74,875
Located on the winding Missouri River, Saint Joseph has a few interesting claims to fame. The starting point of the Pony Express, St. Joe is also the death place of Jesse James, shot here by a member of his own gang that betrayed him for the reward money. Ouch. In more recent history, this is also the birthplace of hip hop legend, Eminem.
With a reasonable cost of living and nary a crowd in sight, St. Joe is also just an hour from Kansas City. It is small and accessible, but it’s big enough to have its own symphony, along with a healthy arts scene.
1. Lincoln, NE
- Residents per square mile: 169.59
- Total population: 289,102
The capital of Nebraska boasts the highest population among our top 10 — along with the most sprawling land area. Oh, and it boasts the top bike score as well. Home to the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!), Lincoln gives you an ideal balance: big city college town meets cozy Midwestern community.
Living in Lincoln gives you easy access to everything from craft breweries and music venues to scenic rolling hills. The cost of living for a city of this size is also much lower than average. And did we mention that Lincoln is home of the Runza? Ru-what? It’s a sandwich stuffed with ground beef, onions, cabbage and a slew of secret spices. You’re welcome.
The price tag? You’ll pay around $1,093 to snag a pad in the least crowded city in the U.S.
The 50 least crowded cities in the U.S.
Still searching for the perfect place to settle in and spread out a bit? Cast a wider net with this list of the 50 least crowded cities in America.
The most crowded cities America
Oh, you want crowds? Perhaps you’re planning for some post-pandemic living? Look no further. When germs are no longer a factor, pack right into these crowded cities.
Methodology
To find the least crowded cities in America, we looked at all cities with a population over 50,000 in the U.S. We divided each city’s population by its land area to determine the population density, or the number of people per square mile. Population figures and land area come from the U.S. Census Bureau. The cities with the lowest population density are the least crowded cities in the U.S.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. We pulled our data in March 2021, and it goes back for one year. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com