10 Most Liberal States in the U.S.

The political perspectives in the United States are extremely diverse. However, some states have a reputation for being liberally inclined. College graduates, young professionals, and members of underrepresented groups frequently reside in these cities. They also have a stronger commitment to social justice and are more tolerant of diversity.

The most liberal state of the United States is Massachusetts, home to the equally progressive city! Hawaii comes next, and Oregon, Vermont, Maryland, New Jersey, California, New York, and Rhode Island are present in the top 10. 

The 10 most liberal states in the US are listed below.

RANKING	LIBERAL CITIES IN U.S. NAME
1	Massachusetts
2	Hawaii
3	Rhode Island
4	California
5	Vermont
6	New York
7	Maryland
8	New Jersey
9	Connecticut
10	Oregon

The 10 liberal states in the US are listed below. 

The information is based on the Centre for Legislative Accountability’s “most conservative” rankings.

1. Massachusetts

With 35% of voters identifying as liberals, Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the United States. Massachusetts has a 14-point liberal advantage, with 21% of voters identifying as such. With 38% of voters in Massachusetts identifying as moderates, this group is the largest in the state. Democratic candidates received 60% of the vote in the 2016 presidential election.

Politicians like Michael Dukakis, Jill Stein, Elizabeth Warren, and the Kennedys all call Massachusetts home. Additionally, that state has a large number of urban areas and a population that is highly educated, two elements that significantly support a liberal environment.

2. Hawaii

The state with the second-highest level of liberalism in the US is Hawaii. Hawaii has the second-highest liberal advantage in the nation, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal and 22% as conservative. With 45% of voters in Hawaii identifying as moderates, Hawaii has the highest proportion of moderate voters of any state in the union. In the 2016 presidential election, 62.2% of voters in Hawaii cast a Democratic ballot.

3. Rhode Island

The third-most liberal state in the union also happens to be the smallest. 25% of people call themselves liberal in Rhode Island, compared to 29% who call themselves conservative and 40% who call themselves moderate. Since 1960, Rhode Island has only twice supported a Republican for president.

4. California

The fourth-most liberal state in the union is California. California has a 0% liberal advantage because 29% of voters identify as liberal and 29% as conservative. In California, 36% of voters describe themselves as moderate. California’s vote in elections matters a lot because it has the most electoral votes. Democratic voters made up 61.5% of the electorate in the 2016 presidential election, outnumbering Republican voters by 30%.

5. New York

The fifth-most liberal state in the union is New York. New York has a 3-point liberal advantage thanks to its 30% liberal voters versus 27% conservative voters. Geographically, New York is divided; the larger metro areas lean liberal, while the majority of upstate areas vote conservative. Democratic candidates received 59% of the vote in the 2016 presidential election.

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6. Vermont

Vermont ranks sixth among the states in terms of liberal identification, with 32% of voters. Vermont has the third-highest liberal advantage in the world, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal and a 4-point liberal advantage in Vermont. In the 2016 election, Vermont voters cast 56.3% of their ballots for Democrats and 30.3% for Republicans. Vermont was won by Barack Obama by 35.6 percentage points in 2012.

7. Maryland

28% of voters in Maryland identify as liberal. Maryland has a -1 point liberal advantage due to its 29% conservative voter population. The majority of voters 39% are moderate. Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. metro area house the majority of Maryland’s liberal support base. Democratic candidates received 60.3% of the vote in the 2016 presidential election.

Among other progressive measures, Maryland legalized gay marriage, pushed for stricter gun control laws, and raised taxes.

8. New Jersey

Despite having a similar negative liberal advantage (-2 points) as New Jersey, many of the state’s moderate voters favor more progressive social policies. New Jersey hasn’t chosen a Republican for president since 1988 as a result.

9. Connecticut

Similar to New Jersey, where 27% of residents identify as liberal and 30% as conservative, many of the self-identified moderates who make up 38% of the population lean liberal rather than conservative. The state draws many of the same highly educated residents as Massachusetts, which is nearby.

10. Oregon

With 28% of voters identifying as liberals, Oregon ranks as the tenth most liberal state in the nation. Due to 32% of voters in Oregon identifying as conservative, the state has a 4 point liberal advantage; however, 35% of voters identify as moderate. 50.1% of voters cast ballots for the Democratic candidate for president in 2016, compared to 39.1% for the Republican. The regions of the state closest to Eugene and Portland were the most Democratic.

San Francisco, California, Washington, District of Columbia, Seattle, California, Oakland, California, Boston, Massachusetts, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Detroit, Michigan, New York, New York, Buffalo, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland make up the top ten most liberal urban areas in the United States, starting with the most liberal city in the country.

All of these states are renowned for their thriving arts and cultural scenes, dedication to environmental preservation, and welcoming attitudes toward immigrants and other minority groups. They also have a lot of progressive laws, like the legalization of marijuana and same-sex unions.

If you are looking for a city with a liberal mindset and a lot to offer, then any of these 10 cities would be a great place to call home.