🪖Just 10 States Host 70% of All Active Duty U.S. Troops

What We’re Showing

This graphic maps active duty troops in the U.S. by state, according to March 2024 figures from the Defense Manpower Data Center.

Key Takeaways

• California and Texas’ host one-fourth of all active duty troops in the country
• The top 10 states host 70% of all active duty U.S. troops

Regional Breakdown

The long coastlines, predictable weather, ports, and access to critical infrastructure in California and Texas makes them favourable locations for big bases. Each service has their preferences, however. California has the Navy and the Marines. Texas has the Army and the Air Force. Florida has the Coast Guard and Colorado has the Space Force.