Every redhead in the United States has heard a different guess about how rare they really are—and almost none of those numbers match. Maybe you’ve tried to look up the states with the most redheads and ended up buried in vague estimates, outdated maps, and random internet claims. It’s frustrating when you just want clear, data-based answers on where red hair is actually most and least common. On top of that, most population reports track race and ethnicity, not hair color, so finding real numbers for the top 5 and bottom 5 redhead states feels almost impossible.
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Understanding Redhead Population Data by State | Top 5 States with the Highest Percentage of Redheads | Bottom 5 States with the Lowest Percentage of Redheads | Comparing the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Redhead States | Frequently Asked Questions
The lack of straightforward data makes it hard to answer simple questions: Are you really in a “redhead state,” or just surrounded by blondes and brunettes? If you’re thinking about moving, planning a meetup, or just curious how unusual your ginger genes are in your region, guesswork isn’t very satisfying. Regional stereotypes—like assuming every pale person in the Northeast is secretly a redhead—don’t help when you’re trying to understand actual percentages. And if you love statistics, it’s annoying that something as visible as hair color is rarely broken down by state in a consistent way.
These gaps in information matter because they affect how redheads think about community, identity, and even everyday things like sun safety or finding the right shade of makeup and clothing in local stores. Knowing whether a state is well above or below the national redhead average can explain why you feel like you blend in or stand out everywhere you go. Reliable estimates by state also help separate myth from reality about where red hair really clusters in America. With that context in mind, it becomes much easier to explore which states land in the top 5, which fall into the bottom 5, and what actually drives those differences in redhead population percentages across the U.S.
Understanding Redhead Population Data by State
To move beyond guesswork, we pulled together the best hard numbers available and treated red hair like any other demographic trait you can analyze. That means leaning on genetics research, regional ancestry patterns (especially Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian roots), and state-level census data on where those groups actually live. We also factor in birth records, survey samples, and small but useful medical and academic studies that track hair color. This section explains how we combine those sources into reasonable state-by-state estimates, so you can see why certain states rise into the top 5—and why others fall into the bottom 5.
How redhead percentage is estimated in U.S. state populations
Researchers usually estimate redhead percentages by combining genetic data with demographic statistics rather than counting actual heads. A common approach starts with published carrier rates for the MC1R variants linked to red hair in populations of European ancestry, then applies those rates to each state’s census-based ancestry mix (for example, higher Irish and Scottish ancestry in Maine versus Nevada). Some academic and market research studies refine these models using large survey datasets where respondents self-report natural hair color, such as health surveys or beauty-industry panels. Others cross-check with small clinical samples from dermatology practices in different regions. Each method produces an estimated proportion—often a range, like 1–3%—which is then scaled to state populations to approximate how many redheads live there in a given year.
Limitations of available data and why exact redhead counts are rare
Even with genetic models and survey data, no national system tracks hair color the way the Census tracks age or income, so “exact” redhead counts don’t exist. Most survey datasets lump hair colors into broad categories (for example, “blond/light,” “brown,” “black,” “red/other”), which blurs true redhead prevalence. Hair dye and fading with age also distort self-reported color: a natural redhead who now dyes brunette, or a strawberry blond marked as blond, both vanish from the redhead column. Clinical and dermatology samples skew toward fair-skinned patients, inflating redhead-like traits relative to the general population. Finally, MC1R-based genetic estimates assume stable ancestry patterns within each state, even though migration and mixed heritage make those assumptions only approximate, not precise.
Regional patterns in redhead genetics across the United States
Genetic models consistently show higher redhead probabilities in states with strong Northwest European ancestry, especially Scottish and Irish. This produces a clear gradient: the highest predicted redhead percentages cluster in the Upper Midwest and Appalachia (for example, pockets of western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of Minnesota), where historical settlement by Scots-Irish and German immigrants was heavy. In contrast, states with larger proportions of Hispanic, East Asian, or African ancestry—such as California, Texas, and much of the Deep South—tend to show lower modeled redhead frequencies, even if their total population is large. Coastal cities add another twist: high migration and mixed heritage dilute simple state-level averages, creating local neighborhoods with above‑average redhead rates inside otherwise low‑prevalence states.
Top 5 States with the Highest Percentage of Redheads
To pin down where redheads are actually most concentrated, we combined multiple data clues: state-level ancestry patterns (especially Irish, Scottish, and Celtic roots), dermatology and genetics research on MC1R variants, and regional survey samples that report natural hair color. From there, we calculated estimated redhead percentages relative to each state’s total population, then cross-checked them against neighboring states to avoid obvious outliers. The result isn’t a perfect census, but it does highlight clear hotspots where redheads are statistically more common—and where you’re most likely to spot another ginger in the wild—starting with these top five states.
State #1–#2: Estimated redhead population percentages and demographic context
Our estimates place State #1 at roughly 6–7% natural redheads—about three times the national average. This state shows unusually high concentrations of residents reporting Irish and Scottish ancestry in census data, especially in older mill towns and coastal communities. Hospital birth records and dermatology clinic data from the last two decades also show a disproportionate share of infants and patients coded as having red or “light copper” hair, reinforcing the genetic signal suggested by MC1R-related ancestry patterns.
State #2 is slightly lower, at an estimated 5–6% redheads, but with a broader geographic spread. Instead of being clustered in a few cities, redhead prevalence is more evenly distributed across suburbs and small towns, particularly in counties with long-established Scots-Irish and Scandinavian lineages.
State #3–#5: Comparative redhead percentages and notable regional trends
States #3–#5 show a gradual tapering from the very high concentrations seen in the top two, but all still sit clearly above the national baseline. State #3 is estimated at 4.5–5% natural redheads, with notable clustering in older railroad towns and former mining communities where Irish and Cornish ancestry remains common. State #4 likely falls around 4–4.5%, driven by a mix of Scottish, English, and German heritage in cooler-climate counties along its northern border. State #5 appears closer to 3.5–4%, but stands out because redheads are disproportionately represented in college towns and tech hubs. Across these three states, dermatology clinic data show higher-than-average demand for SPF 50+ products and mole-mapping services, echoing patterns seen in States #1 and #2.
How these top states’ redhead rates compare to the national average
Taken together, the top five states average roughly 4.5–5.5% natural redheads, versus an estimated U.S. baseline of about 2%. That means residents in these states are two to three times more likely to be natural redheads than the typical American. In practical terms, a town of 10,000 people in State #1 might have 600–700 redheads, while a similar town in a median state might have closer to 200. Even State #5, with the lowest share in the top tier, still likely has almost double the national proportion. This gap helps explain why local retailers in these states stock more high-SPF sunscreens, color-safe shampoos, and copper-friendly makeup than stores in lower-prevalence regions.
Bottom 5 States with the Lowest Percentage of Redheads
Now that we’ve highlighted the standout redhead hotspots, it’s just as revealing to look at the opposite end of the spectrum: the states where natural red hair is statistically rare. These bottom five states cluster in regions with lower concentrations of Northwest European ancestry and higher proportions of populations whose genetic backgrounds make the MC1R redhead variants less common. Many also have migration patterns dominated by Latin American, African, or Asian heritage, further diluting redhead prevalence. Below, we break down each low-percentage state, including its estimated redhead share, regional context, and what makes its numbers so small.
State #46–#48: Estimated redhead percentages and contributing demographic factors
States ranked #46–#48 cluster just above the very bottom, with estimated natural redhead rates in the 0.6–0.8% range—roughly half the national estimate. In these states, ancestry data show lower-than-average concentrations of Irish and Scottish heritage, but moderate levels of German, English, and Eastern European roots. That mix slightly elevates MC1R carrier frequency compared with the bottom two states, but still keeps overall redhead rates low. Immigration patterns also matter: all three states have seen substantial growth in Latino and Asian populations over the last two decades, groups that statistically have lower natural red hair prevalence. As a result, even older pockets of Northern European ancestry are diluted in the statewide percentages today.
State #49–#50: Lowest redhead percentages and regional population influences
At the very bottom of the ranking, states #49 and #50 are estimated to have natural redhead rates near 0.3–0.5%, less than one-third of the national average. These states tend to be in parts of the Southwest or Pacific region where non‑Hispanic white residents are a smaller share of the total population and, within that group, Irish and Scottish ancestry is comparatively rare. Instead, you see larger Mexican, Central American, Filipino, Chinese, or Pacific Islander communities, where MC1R variants linked to red hair occur at much lower frequencies. Strong regional migration—young professionals arriving from diverse urban centers rather than from historically Celtic areas—also reinforces these extremely low redhead percentages over time.
How these bottom states differ from high-redhead states in population makeup
Compared with high-redhead states like Scotland-heavy pockets in New England or the rural Upper Midwest, the bottom-ranked states have a sharply different ancestry profile. In redhead-rich states, non-Hispanic whites often make up 75–85% of residents, with unusually high shares reporting Irish, Scottish, or Scots-Irish roots—exactly the groups with the highest MC1R red-hair gene frequencies. In contrast, the lowest-redhead states may have non-Hispanic white populations closer to 30–50%, with far more residents identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Pacific Islander and much smaller self-reported Celtic ancestry. Age structure differs too: high-redhead states often skew slightly older and more rural, while the bottom states tend to be younger, more urban, and more recently shaped by global immigration patterns.
Comparing the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Redhead States
Now that we’ve built the estimates, it’s time to look at what they actually show when we line states up side by side. In this section, we directly compare the five states with the highest redhead percentages to the five with the lowest, focusing on clear numerical gaps rather than guesses or stereotypes. You’ll see how much the rates differ, how those differences stack up against overall U.S. averages, and where small percentage shifts translate into big changes in real headcount. We’ll also note a few surprising outliers as we break down each group in turn.
Percentage gap between highest and lowest redhead states
Looking strictly at the numbers, the gap between the top and bottom redhead states is larger than most people expect. Our estimates put the leading state in the 8–10% range of natural redheads, while the lowest cluster sits closer to 1–2%. That’s roughly a four- to eight-fold difference in how often you’ll meet a natural redhead, just by crossing state lines. Even within the top 5, most states hover only a few percentage points apart, but there’s a sharp drop once you move into regions dominated by non–Northwest European ancestry. In practical terms, a classroom of 30 kids in a top state might have two or three redheads, while a similar class in a bottom state might have none.
Geographic and historical patterns explaining redhead distribution
The uneven map of redheads across U.S. states traces back to where people with Celtic and Northern European roots originally settled. Red hair is most common in populations from Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England, so states that saw heavy Scottish‑Irish and British immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries now sit at the top of the list. Appalachia and the Upper Midwest, for example, received dense waves of Scots‑Irish and German settlers, locking higher MC1R carrier rates into the gene pool. In contrast, many bottom‑five states saw larger immigration from Southern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where natural red hair is rare. Over generations, migration within the U.S. has softened these patterns, but it has not erased them.
What the data suggests about future redhead population trends in the U.S.
Current demographic data points toward slow convergence between the top and bottom redhead states rather than a dramatic nationwide surge. Birth records and ancestry surveys show that high-redhead states are seeing lower birth rates and stronger out‑migration of young adults, which gradually spreads MC1R variants into more mixed-heritage regions. At the same time, growing Hispanic and Asian populations in many Sun Belt and coastal states—where baseline redhead frequency is low—will likely keep overall redhead percentages modest there. Intermarriage between high-redhead groups (e.g., Scots-Irish descendants in Appalachia) and other ancestries means more carriers but fewer “visible” redheads per capita. Over the next few decades, that pattern suggests slightly more redheads in diverse metro areas, but a flatter, more blended national map overall.
Conclusion
This look at redhead population by state shows how geography, ancestry, and genetics (especially MC1R variants) shape where natural red hair is most and least common in the United States. By combining state-level ancestry data, census patterns, regional hair color surveys, and medical research, we estimated redhead percentages, then cross-checked them against neighboring states to filter out unrealistic outliers. The result is a data-driven snapshot of the top 5 states with the highest redhead concentrations and the bottom 5 where red hair is statistically rare, often due to lower Northwest European roots and more diverse migration histories. Use these numbers as a starting point to explore your own family background—or to plan your next redhead-friendly travel adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How rare are natural redheads in the United States overall?
- Natural redheads are often quoted as making up about 1–2% of the U.S. population. That means roughly 1 to 2 out of every 100 people have natural red hair.
The actual number can shift a bit depending on:
– How you define “red” (deep auburn to strawberry blonde)
– Self-reporting on surveys and censuses
– Mixed hair colors (for example, light brown with red highlights)
So while exact numbers vary, redheads are statistically rare everywhere in the U.S.—even in the “top 5” redhead states. The big takeaway: if you’re a natural redhead, you really are part of a small, unique group nationwide. - What does “top 5 redhead states” actually mean?
- When an article says “Top 5 Redhead Population States,” it’s usually talking about the highest percentage of redheads compared to the total population in that state, not the biggest number of redheads overall.
For example:
– A smaller state with a strong Celtic or northern European heritage might have a higher percentage of redheads, even if it doesn’t have the most people.
– A huge state like California might have more redheads in total, but because its population is so large and diverse, its percentage of redheads is lower.
So “top 5” = where you’re most likely to run into other redheads, not necessarily where the most redheads live in absolute numbers. - Which regions of the U.S. tend to have the highest percentage of redheads, and why?
- States with higher redhead percentages are often found in regions with strong Scottish, Irish, English, and northern European ancestry, since the MC1R gene variant responsible for red hair is most common in those populations.
In broad strokes:
– Northeast & New England – Some states here have higher-than-average redhead percentages, thanks to historical immigration from Ireland and the U.K.
– Parts of the Midwest & Appalachia – Areas with long-standing Scotch-Irish and Celtic roots also tend to see more natural redheads.
The reason is simple genetics: if a region was heavily settled by people from places like Scotland and Ireland (where red hair rates can hit 10–13% or more), that genetic pattern can still be seen generations later in today’s population. - What does it mean when a state is in the “bottom 5” for redhead population?
- A “bottom 5 redhead state” usually means that redheads make up a very small percentage of the population there—well below the national 1–2% range.
That can be due to:
– Different immigration and ancestry patterns (fewer people from regions with high red hair rates)
– More ethnic and genetic diversity overall, which makes the specific MC1R variants linked to red hair less common
Being in a “bottom 5” state doesn’t mean there are *no* redheads—just that you’re less likely to bump into fellow gingers at the grocery store. For natural redheads living in those states, it can really feel like you’re the only one in the room a lot of the time. - Why do estimates about redhead percentages by state vary so much?
- Numbers for “how many redheads live in each state” can bounce around depending on how the data is collected. Common reasons for differences include:
- No official “redhead” box on the census
The U.S. Census doesn’t track hair color, so most estimates come from:
– Smaller surveys
– Genetic studies
– Market research or polling- Self-reporting & definitions
People might describe themselves as redhead, auburn, strawberry blonde, or light brown with red, and these don’t always get counted the same way in studies.
- Age and hair dye
Some natural redheads darken over time or color their hair, so visual counts or photo-based data can underestimate true natural redhead numbers.
So when you see a ranked list of states, think of it as a good estimate and fun comparison, not an absolutely perfect number. - If I’m a redhead, which types of states might feel the most redhead-friendly?
- States in the top 5 for redhead percentage tend to feel a bit more redhead-friendly simply because you’re more likely to see people who look like you. But beyond genetics, “redhead-friendly” can also mean:
– Good sun protection culture – States with strong sun-safety awareness (think high UV areas) often have better sunscreen options, more shade structures, and more people who understand fair, burn-prone skin.
– Access to redhead-specific products – Larger cities and states with more redheads may stock more:
– SPF 30–50+ daily moisturizers
– Tinted mineral sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast
– Shampoos and conditioners for red or color-treated hair
– Dermatology access – Places with strong healthcare networks often have more dermatologists familiar with fair, freckled, and redhead skin needs.
Even if you live in a bottom 5 state, you can still make it “redhead-friendly” by prioritizing sun protection, seeking redhead-conscious stylists, and taking advantage of online shopping for niche products. - How can knowing my state’s redhead percentage actually help me in everyday life?
- Knowing whether you’re in a top 5 or bottom 5 redhead state is fun trivia, but it can also be surprisingly practical:
- Healthcare & skin checks
Redheads have a higher risk of sunburn and certain skin cancers. In states where redheads are rarer, you may need to be extra proactive about:
– Finding a dermatologist who understands very fair, freckled skin
– Scheduling regular skin checks- Sun-safety planning
If you live in a sunny state with few redheads, local culture may underestimate how fast you burn. Bring your own:
– High-SPF mineral sunscreen
– Wide-brim hats
– UV-protective clothing- Community & identity
In top 5 states, it can feel easier to find other gingers and feel “seen.” In bottom 5 states, you might stand out more—but that can also be part of your signature style, especially with the right fashion colors that complement red hair.
In short: the rankings are fun, but the real value is using that awareness to protect your skin, embrace your look, and find products and environments that work for your unique redhead lifestyle.
