Introduction
During World War II, the United States experienced significant casualties, with each state contributing to the war effort and sacrificing lives for the cause. Some states had higher numbers of casualties compared to others, reflecting their population size and level of involvement in the conflict.
New York and Pennsylvania were among the states with the highest number of WWII casualties, with 31,215 and 26,554 respectively. These states, with their large populations and industrial centers, sent a substantial number of soldiers to fight in the war, resulting in higher casualty figures. On the other hand, Alaska and Nevada had the lowest number of WWII casualties, with 91 and 349 respectively. These states had smaller populations and were geographically distant from the main theaters of war, resulting in fewer residents being directly involved in combat.
US Casualties in WW2
# | State | WWII Casualties | Korean War Casualties | Vietnam War Casualties |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New York | 31,215 | 2,373 | 4,119 |
2 | Pennsylvania | 26,554 | 2,401 | 3,147 |
3 | Illinois | 18,601 | 1,789 | 2,936 |
4 | California | 17,022 | 2,611 | 5,575 |
5 | Ohio | 16,828 | 1,823 | 3,094 |
6 | Texas | 15,764 | 1,779 | 3,415 |
7 | Michigan | 12,885 | 1,492 | 2,657 |
8 | New Jersey | 10,372 | 836 | 1,487 |
9 | Massachusetts | 10,033 | 866 | 1,331 |
10 | Indiana | 8,131 | 921 | 1,534 |
11 | Missouri | 8,003 | 944 | 1,418 |
12 | North Carolina | 7,109 | 805 | 1,613 |
13 | Wisconsin | 7,038 | 747 | 1,161 |
14 | Kentucky | 6,802 | 886 | 1,056 |
15 | Tennessee | 6,528 | 844 | 1,295 |
16 | Minnesota | 6,462 | 725 | 1,077 |
17 | Virginia | 6,007 | 882 | 1,305 |
18 | Georgia | 5,701 | 757 | 1,581 |
19 | Iowa | 5,633 | 528 | 851 |
20 | Oklahoma | 5,474 | 625 | 987 |
21 | Alabama | 5,114 | 700 | 1,208 |
22 | West Virginia | 4,865 | 814 | 733 |
23 | Kansas | 4,526 | 429 | 627 |
24 | Maryland | 4,375 | 531 | 1,014 |
25 | Connecticut | 4,347 | 326 | 612 |
26 | Louisiana | 3,964 | 610 | 885 |
27 | Washington | 3,941 | 488 | 1,047 |
28 | Arkansas | 3,814 | 467 | 592 |
29 | Mississippi | 3,555 | 423 | 636 |
30 | Florida | 3,540 | 577 | 1,954 |
31 | South Carolina | 3,423 | 483 | 895 |
32 | District of Columbia | 3,029 | 158 | 242 |
33 | Nebraska | 2,976 | 318 | 396 |
34 | Oregon | 2,835 | 276 | 710 |
35 | Colorado | 2,697 | 305 | 623 |
36 | Maine | 2,156 | 242 | 341 |
37 | New Mexico | 2,032 | 200 | 395 |
38 | Rhode Island | 1,669 | 149 | 209 |
39 | North Dakota | 1,626 | 177 | 199 |
40 | Arizona | 1,613 | 247 | 619 |
41 | Montana | 1,553 | 137 | 267 |
42 | Utah | 1,450 | 141 | 361 |
43 | South Dakota | 1,426 | 160 | 192 |
44 | Idaho | 1,419 | 131 | 217 |
45 | New Hampshire | 1,203 | 137 | 226 |
46 | Vermont | 874 | 94 | 100 |
47 | Hawaii | 689 | 407 | 276 |
48 | Wyoming | 652 | 60 | 119 |
49 | Delaware | 579 | 45 | 122 |
50 | Nevada | 349 | 37 | 149 |
51 | Alaska | 91 | 10 | 57 |
States With Most WW2 Casualties
The ten states with the most WWII casualties are New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Indiana. New York is the state with the most WWII casualties with 31,215 American soldiers dead and missing. Pennsylvania is the second state with the most WWII casualties with 26,554 American soldiers dead and missing. Illinois follows with 18,601 casualties, California with 17,022 casualties, Ohio with 16,828 casualties, Texas with 15,764 casualties, Michigan with 12,885 casualties, New Jersey with 10,372 casualties, Massachusetts with 10,033 casualties, and Indiana with 8,131 casualties.
The ten states with the most casualties are:
1. New York – 31,215
2. Pennsylvania – 26,554
3. Illinois – 18,601
4. California – 17,022
5. Ohio – 16,828
6. Texas – 15,764
7. Michigan – 12,885
8. New Jersey – 10,372
9. Massachusetts – 10,033
10. Indiana – 8,131
State With Most WW2 Casualties
New York stands out as the state with the highest number of WWII casualties, with 31,215 American soldiers dead and missing. This figure reflects the immense contribution and sacrifice made by the residents of New York during the war. As a populous state with bustling cities and a robust industrial base, New York played a vital role in supporting the war effort. Its strategic location and economic significance meant that a significant number of New Yorkers were called upon to serve in the armed forces.
Source
The data on WWII casualties provided on this page is sourced from the U.S. Army Center of Military History. The U.S. Army Center of Military History is a reputable institution dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of the United States Army. The data is meticulously compiled and sourced from official military records and historical documents.
WW2 US Casualties
Alabama
WWII Casualties
5,114
Ranked in the US
#21
Korean War Casualties
700
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked in the US
#17
Alabama had 5,114 WWII casualties. The state's significant military contributions, including the Tuskegee Airmen, highlight its involvement in the war effort.
Alaska
WWII Casualties
91
Ranked in the US
#51
Korean War Casualties
10
Ranked in the US
#51
Ranked in the US
#51
Alaska had 91 WWII casualties. The state's remote location and its residents' involvement in the military, particularly during the Aleutian Islands campaign, resulted in losses during the war.
Arizona
WWII Casualties
1,613
Ranked in the US
#40
Korean War Casualties
247
Ranked in the US
#36
Ranked in the US
#32
Arizona experienced 1,613 WWII casualties. The state's military presence, including Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, played a role in its casualty count.
Arkansas
WWII Casualties
3,814
Ranked in the US
#28
Korean War Casualties
467
Ranked in the US
#28
Ranked in the US
#34
Arkansas experienced 3,814 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' involvement in the military and war-related industries contributed to its casualty count.
California
WWII Casualties
17,022
Ranked in the US
#4
Korean War Casualties
2,611
Ranked in the US
#1
Ranked in the US
#1
California experienced 17,022 casualties. As a populous state with a significant military presence, California made a substantial contribution to the war effort and suffered significant losses.
Colorado
WWII Casualties
2,697
Ranked in the US
#35
Korean War Casualties
305
Ranked in the US
#34
Ranked in the US
#31
Colorado had 2,697 WWII casualties. The state's military presence, including Fort Carson and the United States Air Force Academy, contributed to its losses during the war.
Connecticut
WWII Casualties
4,347
Ranked in the US
#25
Korean War Casualties
326
Ranked in the US
#32
Ranked in the US
#33
Connecticut had 4,347 WWII casualties. The state's manufacturing industry, particularly in munitions production, and its residents' participation in the military resulted in significant losses.
Delaware
WWII Casualties
579
Ranked in the US
#49
Korean War Casualties
45
Ranked in the US
#49
Ranked in the US
#48
Delaware had 579 WWII casualties. The state's small size and its residents' participation in the military and war effort contributed to its losses.
District of Columbia
WWII Casualties
3,029
Ranked in the US
#32
Korean War Casualties
158
Ranked in the US
#41
Ranked in the US
#41
The District of Columbia experienced 3,029 WWII casualties. The nation's capital, with its military and governmental institutions, contributed to the casualty count.
Florida
WWII Casualties
3,540
Ranked in the US
#30
Korean War Casualties
577
Ranked in the US
#23
Ranked in the US
#8
Florida saw 3,540 WWII casualties. The state's coastline and military bases, including Naval Air Station Pensacola and MacDill Air Force Base, contributed to its losses during the war.
Georgia
WWII Casualties
5,701
Ranked in the US
#18
Korean War Casualties
757
Ranked in the US
#17
Ranked in the US
#10
Georgia saw 5,701 WWII casualties. The state's military installations and the contributions of its residents to the war effort resulted in significant losses.
Hawaii
WWII Casualties
689
Ranked in the US
#47
Korean War Casualties
407
Ranked in the US
#31
Ranked in the US
#39
Hawaii had 689 WWII casualties. The state's strategic location and the attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in significant losses during the war.
Idaho
WWII Casualties
1,419
Ranked in the US
#44
Korean War Casualties
131
Ranked in the US
#46
Ranked in the US
#43
Idaho experienced 1,419 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' involvement in the military and war-related industries contributed to its losses.
Illinois
WWII Casualties
18,601
Ranked in the US
#3
Korean War Casualties
1,789
Ranked in the US
#5
Ranked in the US
#6
Illinois had 18,601 WWII casualties, reflecting its substantial contribution to the war. The state's urban centers and manufacturing industries played a vital role in supporting the military effort.
Indiana
WWII Casualties
8,131
Ranked in the US
#10
Korean War Casualties
921
Ranked in the US
#9
Ranked in the US
#11
Indiana had 8,131 casualties. The state's population and contributions to the military, particularly in terms of soldiers and war material production, led to significant losses during the war.
Iowa
WWII Casualties
5,633
Ranked in the US
#19
Korean War Casualties
528
Ranked in the US
#25
Ranked in the US
#26
Iowa had 5,633 WWII casualties. The state's agricultural and manufacturing sectors, as well as its residents' dedication to serving in the military, played a role in its casualty count.
Kansas
WWII Casualties
4,526
Ranked in the US
#23
Korean War Casualties
429
Ranked in the US
#29
Ranked in the US
#30
Kansas had 4,526 WWII casualties. The state's population and support for the war effort led to significant losses among its residents.
Kentucky
WWII Casualties
6,802
Ranked in the US
#14
Korean War Casualties
886
Ranked in the US
#10
Ranked in the US
#20
Kentucky saw 6,802 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' dedication to serving in the armed forces contributed to its casualty count.
Louisiana
WWII Casualties
3,964
Ranked in the US
#26
Korean War Casualties
610
Ranked in the US
#22
Ranked in the US
#25
Louisiana saw 3,964 WWII casualties. The state's military bases, including Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base, and its contributions to the war effort contributed to its casualty count.
Maine
WWII Casualties
2,156
Ranked in the US
#36
Korean War Casualties
242
Ranked in the US
#37
Ranked in the US
#38
Maine experienced 2,156 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' participation in the military and war-related industries contributed to its casualty count.
Maryland
WWII Casualties
4,375
Ranked in the US
#24
Korean War Casualties
531
Ranked in the US
#24
Ranked in the US
#22
Maryland experienced 4,375 WWII casualties. The state's proximity to Washington, D.C., and its military installations, such as Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground, contributed to its losses.
Massachusetts
WWII Casualties
10,033
Ranked in the US
#9
Korean War Casualties
866
Ranked in the US
#12
Ranked in the US
#14
Massachusetts had WWII 10,033 casualties. The state's historical significance, military installations, and manufacturing capabilities contributed to its involvement in the war.
Michigan
WWII Casualties
12,885
Ranked in the US
#7
Korean War Casualties
1,492
Ranked in the US
#7
Ranked in the US
#7
Michigan had WWII 12,885 casualties, owing to its strong industrial base and contribution to the manufacturing of war materials.
Minnesota
WWII Casualties
6,462
Ranked in the US
#16
Korean War Casualties
725
Ranked in the US
#19
Ranked in the US
#19
Minnesota experienced 6,462 WWII casualties. The state's population and strong support for the war effort led to a significant number of individuals serving and sacrificing their lives.
Mississippi
WWII Casualties
3,555
Ranked in the US
#29
Korean War Casualties
423
Ranked in the US
#30
Ranked in the US
#29
Mississippi had 3,555 WWII casualties. The state's military installations and the contributions of its residents to the war effort resulted in significant losses.
Missouri
WWII Casualties
8,003
Ranked in the US
#11
Korean War Casualties
944
Ranked in the US
#8
Ranked in the US
#13
Missouri had 8,003 WWII casualties, reflecting the state's active involvement in the war effort and significant contributions to the military.
Montana
WWII Casualties
1,553
Ranked in the US
#41
Korean War Casualties
137
Ranked in the US
#44
Ranked in the US
#40
Montana had 1,553 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' participation in the military and war-related industries contributed to its losses.
Nebraska
WWII Casualties
2,976
Ranked in the US
#33
Korean War Casualties
318
Ranked in the US
#33
Ranked in the US
#35
Nebraska had 2,976 WWII casualties. The state's agricultural sector and residents' enlistment in the military played a role in its losses during the war.
Nevada
WWII Casualties
349
Ranked in the US
#50
Korean War Casualties
37
Ranked in the US
#50
Ranked in the US
#47
Nevada saw 349 WWII casualties. The state's population and its contributions to the military, including the training of troops, led to significant losses.
New Hampshire
WWII Casualties
1,203
Ranked in the US
#45
Korean War Casualties
137
Ranked in the US
#45
Ranked in the US
#42
New Hampshire had 1,203 WWII casualties. The state's small size and its residents' participation in the military and war-related industries contributed to its casualty count.
New Jersey
WWII Casualties
10,372
Ranked in the US
#8
Korean War Casualties
836
Ranked in the US
#14
Ranked in the US
#12
New Jersey had WWII 10,372 casualties. The state's proximity to major cities and its industrial infrastructure led to a significant number of individuals from New Jersey being involved in the war.
New Mexico
WWII Casualties
2,032
Ranked in the US
#37
Korean War Casualties
200
Ranked in the US
#38
Ranked in the US
#36
New Mexico had 2,032 WWII casualties. The state's military installations, such as White Sands Missile Range and Kirtland Air Force Base, played a role in its losses.
New York
WWII Casualties
31,215
Ranked in the US
#1
Korean War Casualties
2,373
Ranked in the US
#3
Ranked in the US
#2
New York had the highest number of casualties with 31,215 American soldiers dead and missing. The state's significant population and industrial centers led to a large number of individuals being involved in combat.
North Carolina
WWII Casualties
7,109
Ranked in the US
#12
Korean War Casualties
805
Ranked in the US
#16
Ranked in the US
#9
North Carolina experienced 7,109 WWII casualties. The state's military installations, including Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg, played a role in its high casualty count.
North Dakota
WWII Casualties
1,626
Ranked in the US
#39
Korean War Casualties
177
Ranked in the US
#39
Ranked in the US
#45
North Dakota had 1,626 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' participation in the military and war-related industries contributed to its losses.
Ohio
WWII Casualties
16,828
Ranked in the US
#5
Korean War Casualties
1,823
Ranked in the US
#4
Ranked in the US
#5
Ohio had 16,828 WWII casualties, highlighting its important role in supplying troops and resources during the war. The state's industrial capacity and strategic location contributed to its involvement in the conflict.
Oklahoma
WWII Casualties
5,474
Ranked in the US
#20
Korean War Casualties
625
Ranked in the US
#21
Ranked in the US
#23
Oklahoma experienced 5,474 WWII casualties. The state's military presence, including Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base, contributed to its losses during the war.
Oregon
WWII Casualties
2,835
Ranked in the US
#34
Korean War Casualties
276
Ranked in the US
#35
Ranked in the US
#28
Oregon saw 2,835 WWII casualties. The state's population and its contributions to the military, including the construction of ships, led to significant losses.
Pennsylvania
WWII Casualties
26,554
Ranked in the US
#2
Korean War Casualties
2,401
Ranked in the US
#2
Ranked in the US
#4
Pennsylvania has 26,554 WWII casualties. The state's industrial capacity and sizable population contributed to its significant involvement in the war effort.
Rhode Island
WWII Casualties
1,669
Ranked in the US
#38
Korean War Casualties
149
Ranked in the US
#42
Ranked in the US
#44
Rhode Island saw 1,669 WWII casualties. The state's small size and its residents' contributions to the military and naval industries contributed to its casualty count.
South Carolina
WWII Casualties
3,423
Ranked in the US
#31
Korean War Casualties
483
Ranked in the US
#27
Ranked in the US
#24
South Carolina had 3,423 WWII casualties. The state's military presence, including Parris Island and Shaw Air Force Base, played a role in its casualty count.
South Dakota
WWII Casualties
1,426
Ranked in the US
#43
Korean War Casualties
160
Ranked in the US
#40
Ranked in the US
#46
South Dakota had 1,426 WWII casualties. The state's population and its residents' participation in the military and war-related industries contributed to its casualty count.
Tennessee
WWII Casualties
6,528
Ranked in the US
#15
Korean War Casualties
844
Ranked in the US
#13
Ranked in the US
#16
Tennessee had 6,528 WWII casualties. The state's strategic location and military infrastructure played a role in its involvement and loss of lives during the war.
Texas
WWII Casualties
15,764
Ranked in the US
#6
Korean War Casualties
1,779
Ranked in the US
#6
Ranked in the US
#3
Texas saw WWII 15,764 casualties, reflecting the state's large population and its residents' active participation in the war effort.
Utah
WWII Casualties
1,450
Ranked in the US
#42
Korean War Casualties
141
Ranked in the US
#43
Ranked in the US
#37
Utah saw 1,450 WWII casualties. The state's military installations, such as Hill Air Force Base and Dugway Proving Ground, played a role in its losses.
Vermont
WWII Casualties
874
Ranked in the US
#46
Korean War Casualties
94
Ranked in the US
#47
Ranked in the US
#50
Vermont saw 874 WWII casualties. The state's small size and its residents' contributions to the military and war effort contributed to its losses.
Virginia
WWII Casualties
6,007
Ranked in the US
#17
Korean War Casualties
882
Ranked in the US
#11
Ranked in the US
#15
Virginia had 6,007 WWII casualties. The state's military bases, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Fort Lee, contributed to its casualty count.
Washington
WWII Casualties
3,941
Ranked in the US
#27
Korean War Casualties
488
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranked in the US
#21
Washington had 3,941 WWII casualties. The state's strategic location on the West Coast and its military installations, such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Base Kitsap, played a role in its losses.
West Virginia
WWII Casualties
4,865
Ranked in the US
#22
Korean War Casualties
814
Ranked in the US
#15
Ranked in the US
#27
West Virginia saw 4,865 WWII casualties. The state's coal mining industry, manufacturing capabilities, and residents' enlistment in the military contributed to its casualty count.
Wisconsin
WWII Casualties
7,038
Ranked in the US
#13
Korean War Casualties
747
Ranked in the US
#18
Ranked in the US
#18
Wisconsin had 7,038 WWII casualties, demonstrating the state's commitment to the war effort and the sacrifices made by its residents.
Wyoming
WWII Casualties
652
Ranked in the US
#48
Korean War Casualties
60
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#49
Wyoming experienced 652 WWII casualties. The state's small population and its residents' involvement in the military and war-related industries contributed to its casualty count.
FAQs
How many Americans died in WW2 ?
About 416,800 American soldiers died during WWII and about 1,700 civilians.
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