The States Where the Largest Share of Residents Serve in the Military: All 50 Ranked

Active-duty military personnel come from all walks of life and hail from every state in our union. As of September 2023, The Department of Defense reported nearly 1.29 million active-duty troops. In 2024, these numbers are expected to drop to 1.28 million, bringing our forces to the lowest they have been since World War II. Out of these numbers, the personnel are broken down into five branches of service: Army (461,657), Navy (340,065), Air Force (320,421), Marine Corps (174,577), and Space Force (8,000). These service men and women are stationed in all of the “lower 48,” Alaska, Hawaii, and around the world.

Each state has at least one military base to house and train military personnel. California has the most, and New Hampshire has only one. Vermont has no military bases but makes up for it with its strong National Guard presence and other strategic defense facilities, which add to its level of protection. Virginia has the largest military base in the country, Norfolk Naval Base, with over 47,000 active-duty personnel in residence.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed personnel data available from the Department of Defense Personnel, Workforce Reports & Publications, using their provided data from September 30, 2022, to determine the states that have the most active-duty military personnel. These numbers were then adjusted over 100,000 state population. Data for the number of military sites in each state came from the U.S. Department of Transportation/ Bureau of Transportation Statistics National Transportation Atlas Database from their May 2019 report. Census Bureau’s Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for July 1, 2022, provide our state population data.

Why Are We Writing About Military Service?

“We must never forget why we have, and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have ‘guardians at the gate.’” -Allen West

Not only is the military essential to protecting our country, but the Department of Defense is also the largest employer in the United States, with approximately 1.3 million active military service members and over 800,000 in reserves. Across the United States and worldwide, personnel are stationed and performing their duty for the country, for themselves, and their families.

Here are the U.S. States that have the highest number of military personnel.

51. Iowa

Iowa has approximately 246 active-duty personnel, or 8 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $805, the 12th lowest in the country, and it houses 5 military bases (ranked and tied at 10th for fewest).

50. West Virginia

With a per capita defense spending in 2021 of $496 (5th lowest nationwide), West Virginia has a total of 177 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 10 per 100,000 residents. West Virginia also has 8 military sites, ranking and tied at 19th fewest.

49. Minnesota

Fort Snelling, a notable military base, is found in the great state of Minnesota. Minnesota is home to approximately 580 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 10 per 100,000. Their per capital defense spending in 2021 was $387, 3rd lowest in the nation.

48. Indiana

Indiana is home to the DFAS Indianapolis Center and approximately 1,043 active-duty military personnel, or 15 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $1,059, 21st lowest in the nation. Currently, 11 military sites rank and tie them at the 24th most.

47. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has approximately 993 active-duty personnel, or 17 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $857, the 17th lowest in the country, and it houses 7 military bases (ranked and tied at 17th for fewest). Most notably, Fort McCoy is stationed in Wisconsin.

46. Michigan

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $649 (8th lowest nationwide), Michigan has 1,900 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 19 per 100,000 residents. Michigan also has 9 military sites, ranking at the 20th fewest. The Detroit Arsenal stands out in this state.

45. Pennsylvania

The Carlisle Barracks, a notable military base, is in the great state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is home to approximately 2,468 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 19 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,272, 26th highest in the nation.

44. Vermont

Vermont is home to the Burlington IAP-AGS and has approximately 141 active-duty military personnel, or 22 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $845, 16th lowest in the nation. Currently, 5 military sites rank and tie them at the 16th lowest.

43. Tennessee

Tennessee has approximately 2,378 active-duty personnel, or 34 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $462, the 4th lowest in the country, and it houses 15 military bases (ranked and tied at 14th for the most). Most notably, the Naval Support Activity Mid-South is stationed in Tennessee.

42. Oregon

With a per capita defense spending in 2021 of $324 (the lowest nationwide), Oregon has 1,514 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 36 per 100,000 residents. Oregon also has 11 military sites, ranking and tying as the 24th most.

41. Massachusetts

The Hanscom AFB, a notable military base, is in the great state of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is home to approximately 3,350 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 48 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $3,057, 9th highest in the nation.

40. Maine

Maine is home to the Brunswick NAS and has approximately 797 active-duty military personnel, or 58 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $2,348, 11th highest in the nation. Currently, 7 military sites rank and tie them at the 17th lowest.

39. Ohio

Ohio has approximately 6,846 active-duty personnel, or 58 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $844, the 15th lowest in the country, and it houses 15 military bases (ranked and tied at 14th for the most). Most notably, Wright-PAtterson AFB is stationed in Ohio.

38. New Hampshire

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $1,671 (17th highest nationwide), New Hampshire has 1,115 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 80 per 100,000 residents. New Hampshire also has 4 military sites, ranking at the 3rd fewest. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard stands out in this state.

37. New Jersey

The McGuire AFB, a notable military base, is in the great state of New Jersey. New Jersey is home to approximately 7,954 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 86 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,002, the 20th lowest in the nation.

36. New York

New York is home to Fort Drum and approximately 19,364 active-duty military personnel, or 98 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $1,557, the 20th highest in the nation. Currently, 17 military sites rank them at the 11th most.

35. Arkansas

Arkansas has approximately 3,740 active-duty personnel, or 123 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $639, the 7th lowest in the country, and it houses 5 military bases (ranked and tied at 10th for fewest). Most notably, Little Rock AFB is stationed in Arkansas.

34. Utah

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $1,877 (16th highest nationwide), Utah has 4,503 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 133 per 100,000 residents. Utah also has 11 military sites, ranking and tying as the 24th most. The Hill AFB stands out in this state.

33. Alabama

Fort Rucker, a notable military base, is in the great state of Alabama. Alabama is home to approximately 8,244 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 162 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $3,123, 7th highest in the nation.

32. Connecticut

Connecticut is home to the New London NAVUBASE and approximately 6,224 active-duty military personnel, or 172 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $5,347, 4th highest in the nation. Currently, 5 military sites rank and tie them at the 10th fewest.

31. Illinois

Illinois has approximately 22,679 active-duty personnel, or 180 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $749, the 10th lowest in the country, and it houses 14 military bases (ranked and tied at 18th for most). Most notably, Naval Station Great Lakes is stationed in Illinois.

30. Idaho

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $356 (2nd lowest nationwide), Idaho has 3,511 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 181 per 100,000 residents. Idaho also has 7 military sites, ranking and tying at the 17th fewest. The Mountain Home AFB stands out in this state.

29. Missouri

Fort Leonard Wood, a notable military base, is in the great state of Missouri. Missouri is home to approximately 14,409 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 233 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,979, the 14th highest in the nation.

28. Arizona

Arizona is home to the Davis-Monthan AFB and approximately 17,482 active-duty military personnel, or 238 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $2,013, 13th highest in the nation. Currently, 19 military sites rank them as the 10th highest.

27. Montana

Montana has approximately 3,253 active-duty personnel, or 290 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $586, the 6th lowest in the country, and it houses 5 military bases (ranked at 10th for fewest). Most notably, Malmstrom AFB is stationed in Montana.

26. Florida

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $1,384 (24th highest nationwide), Florida has 66,971 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 301 per 100,000 residents. Florida also has 41 military sites, ranking at the 4th most. The Mayport NAVSTA stands out in this state.

25. Louisiana

Fort Polk, a notable military base, is in the great state of Louisiana. Louisiana is home to approximately 14,910 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 325 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $768, 11th lowest in the nation. It currently has 14 military sites open, tied for 18th most.

24. Nebraska

Nebraska is home to the Offutt AFB and approximately 6,499 active-duty military personnel, or 330 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $844, 15th lowest in the nation. Currently, 8 military sites rank and tie them at the 18th fewest.

23. Delaware

Delaware has approximately 3,490 active-duty personnel, or 343 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $947, the 18th lowest in the country, and it houses 4 military bases (ranked and tied at 3rd for fewest). Most notably, Dover AFB is stationed in Delaware.

22. Rhode Island

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $1,533 (22nd highest nationwide), Rhode Island has 3,793 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 347 per 100,000 residents. Rhode Island also has 5 military sites, ranking at the 10th fewest. Naval Station Newport stands out in this state.

21. South Dakota

Ellsworth AFB, a notable military base, is in the great state of South Dakota. South Dakota is home to approximately 3,388 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 372 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $718, 9th lowest in the nation. It currently has 7 military sites open, tied for 17th fewest.

20. Mississippi

Mississippi is home to the Keesler AFB and approximately 11,067 active-duty military personnel, or 376 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $1,911, 15th highest in the nation. Currently, 12 military sites rank at the 23rd most.

19. Texas

Texas has approximately 114,245 active-duty personnel, or 380 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,601, the 18th highest in the country, and it houses 42 military bases (ranked and tied at 2nd for most). Most notably, Fort Hood is stationed in Texas.

18. Nevada

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $974 (19th lowest nationwide), Nevada has 12,275 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 386 per 100,000 residents. Nevada also has 13 military sites, ranking and tying at the 21st most. Nellis AFB stands out in this state.

17. California

Camp Pendleton is a notable military base in the great state of California. California is home to approximately 1463,393 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 419 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,463, 23rd highest in the nation. It currently has 73 military sites open, the most anywhere in the country.

16. Maryland

Maryland is home to Fort George G. Meade and approximately 29,599 active-duty military personnel, or 480 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $4,258, 6th highest in the nation. Currently, 25 military sites rank them as the 7th most.

15. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has approximately 21,114 active-duty personnel, or 525 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,582, the 19th highest in the country, and it houses 14 military bases (ranked and tied at 14th for most). Most notably, Fort Sill is stationed in Oklahoma.

14. Wyoming

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $822 (13th lowest nationwide), Wyoming has 3,148 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 541 per 100,000 residents. Wyoming also has 3 military sites, ranking the fewest in the country. The Francis E. Warren AFB stands out in this state.

13. Georgia

Fort Benning, a notable military base, is in the great state of Georgia. Georgia is home to approximately 63,873 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 585 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,378, the 25th highest in the nation. It currently has 20 military sites open, tied for the 8th most.

12. New Mexico

New Mexico is home to the Cannon AFB and approximately 13,437 active-duty military personnel, or 636 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $1,547, 21st highest in the nation. Currently, 10 military sites rank and tie them at the 25th fewest.

11. Colorado

Colorado has approximately 37,990 active-duty personnel, or 651 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $2,138, the 12th highest in the country, and it houses 10 military bases (ranked and tied at 25th for fewest). Most notably, Fort Carson is stationed in Colorado.

10. Kansas

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $1,263 (25th lowest nationwide), Kansas has 20,566 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 700 per 100,000 residents. Kansas also has 7 military sites, ranking and tying as the 17th fewest. Fort Riley stands out in this state.

9. South Carolina

Fort Jackson, a notable military base, is in the great state of South Carolina. South Carolina is home to approximately 38,322 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 725 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,179, 24th lowest in the nation. It currently has 14 military sites open, tied for 18th most.

8. Kentucky

Kentucky is home to Fort Campbell and approximately 34,608 active-duty military personnel, or 767 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $3,068, 8th highest in the nation. Currently, 6 military sites rank as the 11th fewest.

7. Washington

Washington has approximately 62,130 active-duty personnel, or 798 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $2,470, the 10th highest in the country, and it houses 20 military bases (ranked and tied at 8th for most). Most notably, Fort Lewis is stationed in Washington.

6. North Carolina

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of &1,113 (22nd lowest nationwide), North Carolina has 95,999 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 897 per 100,000 residents. North Carolina also has 16 military sites, ranking and tying as the 12th most. Fort Bragg stands out in this state.

5. North Dakota

Minot AFB, a notable military base, is in the great state of North Dakota. North Dakota is home to approximately 7,272 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 933 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $1,165, 23rd lowest in the nation. It currently has 7 military sites open, tied for the 17th fewest.

4. Virginia

Virginia is home to the Norfolk Naval Base and approximately 129,492 active-duty military personnel, or 1,491 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita military spending is $7,259, 2nd highest in the nation. Currently, 42 military sites rank and tie them at the 2nd most.

3. District Of Columbia

District of Columbia has approximately 11,024 active-duty personnel, or 1,641 per 100,000 residents. Its per capita defense spending in 2021 was $14,614, the highest in the country, and it houses 5 military bases (ranked and tied at 10th for fewest).

2. Alaska

With a per capita defense spending 2021 of $4,916 (5th highest nationwide), Alaska has 20,206 active-duty military personnel. This number equates to 2,754 per 100,000 residents. Alaska also has 15 military sites, ranking and tying at the 14th most. Fort Jonathan Wainwright stands out in this state.

1. Hawaii

Schofield Barracks, a notable military base, is in the great state of Hawaii. Hawaii is home to approximately 40,485 active-duty military personnel as of September 30, 2022, which translates to 2,811 per 100,000. Their per capita defense spending in 2021 was $5,465, 3rd highest in the nation. It currently has 39 military sites open, 5th most.

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