How Big Is North Carolina?
North Carolina is the 29th largest state in the United States, covering approximately 126,161 square kilometers (48,711 square miles). It is home to approximately 11.2 million people. That's roughly the same size as New York.
North Carolina
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North Carolina on the Map
North Carolina's Geography
Within the United States, North Carolina is the 29th largest state. Its capital is Raleigh. It has a population density of about 89 people per km².
How Long and Wide Is North Carolina?
North Carolina spans about 782 km (486 mi) from east to west — roughly the distance from Chicago to New York, and 305 km (190 mi) from north to south — roughly the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. At highway speeds, driving 486 miles takes roughly 9 hours.
How Many Times Does North Carolina Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is North Carolina Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 41,277 km² (15,937 sq mi) | 3.1× smaller |
| Netherlands | 41,543 km² (16,040 sq mi) | 3× smaller |
| South Korea | 99,720 km² (38,502 sq mi) | 21% smaller |
| New York | 122,283 km² (47,214 sq mi) | about the same size |
| North Carolina | 126,161 km² (48,711 sq mi) | — |
| Florida | 139,670 km² (53,927 sq mi) | 11% larger |
| United Kingdom | 243,610 km² (94,058 sq mi) | 93% larger |
| Germany | 357,022 km² (137,847 sq mi) | 2.8× larger |
| Montana | 376,979 km² (145,552 sq mi) | 3× larger |
Places in North Carolina
Length and width are measured from the outline on the map. Sources: US Census Bureau (2025). How we calculate this
Explore North Carolina
North Carolina at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 126,161 km² (48,711 sq mi) |
| US Size Rank | #29 of 51 |
| Capital | Raleigh |
| Population | 11,197,968 |
| Population Density | 89 per km² |