Getting a speeding ticket is one of those universal driving experiences that most Americans will face at some point. But your chances of receiving that dreaded citation vary dramatically depending on where you’re driving. Recent data reveals some surprising patterns about which states and regions are most likely to hand out speeding tickets. The Numbers … Read more
Dollar General’s distinctive yellow and black storefronts have become fixtures across the American landscape, particularly in smaller communities where they often serve as essential retail anchors. With over 20,000 locations spanning 48 states, the discount retailer has achieved remarkable geographic penetration that tells a fascinating story about American retail patterns, demographics, and consumer behavior. Current … Read more
Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, is home to some of the most massive private ranches in the world, as seen in the map above. These sprawling properties represent not just impressive acreage, but centuries of American history, agricultural innovation, and the enduring spirit of the frontier. The Undisputed Champion: King Ranch At … Read more
The map above that displays the population density of the thirteen American colonies in 1775 reveals fascinating patterns of settlement just one year before the Declaration of Independence would forever change the course of American history. Coastal Concentration & Early Urban Corridors Even in 1775, the seeds of what would eventually become the modern Boston-Washington … Read more
While driving across America, you’ve probably noticed that highway signs look different from state to state, as seen on the map above. Unlike the standardized Interstate shields with their distinctive blue and red design, or the classic US Highway markers, each state has developed its own unique identity for marking state routes. A Patchwork Of … Read more
In North America, license plate requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions. While some require vehicles to display plates on both the front and rear, others mandate only rear plates. This patchwork of regulations creates an interesting geographical pattern across the continent. United States: A Nation Divided On Plates Of the 50 U.S. states, 31 require both … Read more
This map of the United States above shows what are the most common self-reported ancestry or ethnic origin of white Americans of each county, based on data from the 2020 U.S. Census. English & Mormon Heritage As seen on the map, a sea of yellow dominates the nation, meaning English heritage is the country’s most … Read more
The map below shows the percentage of land in each U.S. state that is planted with principal crops, based on data from GrainStats and the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report. Principal crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, oats, barley, sorghum, rice, and other field crops that form the foundation of American agriculture. The Corn Belt Dominance … Read more
The map of the United States above shows how much of each state is covered by corn fields. When driving across America’s heartland, it’s not uncommon to be surrounded by endless fields of corn stretching toward the horizon. But exactly how much of each state is actually covered in corn fields? Using agricultural data from … Read more
The map of the United States above depicts the evolution of the nation’s population density in over 200 years, from 1790 to 2010. The United States has undergone a remarkable transformation in population density since its founding. From the initial clusters of settlements along the Eastern Seaboard to the coast-to-coast development we see today, the … Read more