What Is the Largest City in the United States by Square Miles?
When it comes to determining the largest city in the United States by square miles, there is no straightforward answer. The reason behind this is that different cities have different ways of measuring their land areas, and some cities have consolidated their boundaries with their respective counties. However, for the sake of this article, we will consider the commonly accepted measurements and discuss the largest cities in the United States by square miles.
1. Sitka, Alaska:
Sitka, located on Baranof Island, is the largest city in the United States by land area. Covering an extensive area of approximately 2,870 square miles, Sitka is far larger than any other city in the country. It is worth noting that Sitka is the only city in the United States that is encompassed entirely within a single county.
2. Wrangell, Alaska:
Wrangell, also located in Alaska, is the second-largest city in the United States by land area. Covering about 2,541 square miles, it is just slightly smaller than Sitka. Wrangell is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Juneau, Alaska:
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is the third-largest city in the United States by land area. With an area of approximately 2,700 square miles, Juneau is larger than many states in the country. It is situated in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
4. Jacksonville, Florida:
Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city by population in the United States and ranks fourth in terms of land area. Covering around 747 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States. It is often referred to as the “River City” due to its location along the St. Johns River.
5. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana:
Although not technically a city, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County in Montana deserves a mention. Covering approximately 736 square miles, it is the largest county by land area in the United States. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is a result of a consolidation of Anaconda City and Deer Lodge County, and it holds the distinction of being the largest incorporated area in the country.
FAQs:
Q: Is New York City the largest city in the United States by square miles?
A: Contrary to popular belief, New York City is not the largest city in the United States by land area. While it is the most populous city, it is relatively small in terms of land area, covering about 302 square miles.
Q: Which city is the largest in terms of population?
A: New York City is the largest city in the United States by population. With over 8.4 million people residing within its limits, it is often considered the cultural, financial, and media capital of the country.
Q: Are there any other notable large cities in terms of land area?
A: Yes, there are several other large cities in the United States in terms of land area. These include Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and San Diego, California. While they may not be the largest, they still cover significant areas and are home to millions of residents.
In conclusion, determining the largest city in the United States by square miles can be a complex task due to varying measurement methods and consolidated boundaries. However, cities such as Sitka, Wrangell, and Juneau in Alaska, along with Jacksonville, Florida, and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County in Montana, are among the largest in terms of land area. While New York City may be the most populous, it is relatively small in terms of land area.