A New Map Reveals The Height Differences Among American Men Across States

Did you know that height varies significantly across different states in the U.S.? A new map reveals where American men stand head and shoulders above the rest, offering insights into the various factors that contribute to these height differences. Towering above the rest of the world, the Dutch hold the title for the world's tallest men, according to Data Panda, at an average of 183.78 centimeters, or six feet, 0.4 inches. Meanwhile, American males rank 47^th globally, averaging 176.94 centimeters, or 5 feet 9.7 inches.

There is just under two inches between America's tallest and shortest states, and understanding the differences in height across the states offers intriguing insights into the diverse demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors that shape population height. Drawing on research from Data Panda, Newsweek has created a map outlining the average height of men across the U.S.

The results place Montana, South Dakota, Alabama, Tennessee, Utah, and Nebraska in joint first place, with men in these states averaging 5 feet, 10.6 inches tall. Utah's ranking is particularly interesting given its unique demographic composition, as around 15 percent of the population includes individuals with Northern European and Dutch ancestry, both known for their taller stature.

While there are few discernable trends across the regions, other than a moderate trend of increased height in Western and Midwestern states, Hawaii and California stand out as notable exceptions. At an average height of 5 foot, 9.4 inches, Californians are the second-shortest men in the U.S. This may be attributed to the state's high share of foreign-born residents, which is about 23 percent according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Of California's 10-million strong immigrant population, 49 percent were born in Latin America and 40 percent in Asia, both regions where men tend to be shorter than the average American. Hawaii sits at the bottom of the scale, with men averaging exactly 5 foot and 9 inches. Data Panda links Hawaii's height to its demographics, highlighting a large Asian and Hispanic population.

Obesity, which the National Institutes of Health linked to stunted growth in a 2017 report, is also prevalent in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, 29 percent of the state's high school students are overweight or obese, with the figure rising to 60% for adults. A study by The Washington Post shows that Americans have been gradually getting shorter since the 1980s, correlating with the onset of childhood obesity in the nation.

The findings underscore the subtle yet intriguing variations in physical stature across different regions, prompting discussions about the underlying factors contributing to these differences. Several elements play a role in determining average heights, making this study a starting point for deeper explorations into human biology and regional lifestyles.