Find Out How Much Land the Government Owns in Every State

It’s surprising how much government land ownership varies state-to-state. In certain areas, less than 1% of the terrain falls under federal management, while in others, the government claims more than half.

We looked at the Congressional Research Service’s report on federal land ownership, which has the most recently available data. We also looked federal government employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A staggering 96% of federally managed land is overseen by just five agencies: the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Department of Defense.

Among these, the Bureau of Land Management owns the most – a massive 244.4 million acres, while the U.S. Forest Service is not far behind, managing 192.9 million acres. This federal land is predominantly located in the Western United States, with only about 10% situated east of the Mississippi River.

The National Park Service, although not the largest landholder, oversees areas deeply ingrained in the American identity, including 62 national parks and numerous historical sites, attracting over 330 million visitors each year. Despite the significant land holdings, the federal workforce constitutes a relatively small percentage of the overall employment in many of these states.

1. Nevada

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 80.1%
• Area of federal land in state: 56.3 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 47.3 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.4%

Nevada, admitted to the Union in 1864, shortly after the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, carries a unique provision regarding land ownership. A significant portion of the state, about 80%, remains under federal control, the highest percentage in the United States. This extensive federal landholding includes around 47 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), representing a significant chunk of BLM’s jurisdiction nationwide.

Additionally, Nevada hosts key military installations, including the expansive Nellis Air Force Range, ranking as the second largest by area in the U.S., and the infamous Area 51, a site shrouded in mystery and a focal point of pop culture references to secretive military testing.

2. Utah

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 63.1%
• Area of federal land in state: 33.3 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 22.8 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.4%

Utah has 63.1% of its land, or 33.3 million acres, federally owned, the fourth highest in the U.S., primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management for activities like hunting and hiking. The Forest Service and National Park Service oversee significant portions, including national forests and parks such as Arches and Zion, highlighting Utah’s rich outdoor and recreational landscape.

3. Idaho

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 61.9%
• Area of federal land in state: 32.8 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 20.4 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.7%

In Idaho, 61.9% of its territory, totaling 32.8 million acres, is under federal management. The majority is governed by the Forest Service, which manages over 20.4 million acres, including vast expanses like the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the expansive Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

4. Alaska

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 60.9%
• Area of federal land in state: 222.7 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 76.6 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 4.5%

Alaska, with its vast landscapes, is predominantly federally owned, with the government holding 60.9% or 222.7 million acres of the state’s land. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management are the main custodians, managing vast tracts including 76.6 million and 71.4 million acres, respectively. Federally owned Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is bigger than many other national parks and is even larger than some countries.

5. Oregon

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 52.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 32.2 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 15.7 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.5%

In Oregon, over half of the state, or 32.2 million acres, falls under federal management, making it one of the top five states for federal land ownership. The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service are the primary stewards, with significant areas like the 2.3 million-acre Wallowa-Whitman and the 1.6 million-acre Willamette National Forests under federal control.

6. Wyoming

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 46.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 29.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 17.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.6%

Wyoming, with 46.7% of its land, or 29.1 million acres, federally managed, stands as a significant state for federal land, ranking seventh in the U.S. The Bureau of Land Management oversees over a quarter of this, emphasizing Wyoming’s rich natural resources, including notable coal, oil, and gas production contributing substantially to state revenues.

Public lands offer recreational opportunities, from hunting to hiking. The Forest Service adds another 9.2 million acres, managing areas like the Thunder Basin National Grassland and national forests such as Shoshone and Bridger-Teton. Additionally, Wyoming is home to Yellowstone National Park, highlighting its status as a hub of natural beauty and conservation.

7. California

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 45.4%
• Area of federal land in state: 45.5 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 20.8 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.4%

In California, 45.4% of its territory, totaling 45.5 million acres, is under federal management. The Forest Service manages the largest portion, overseeing several national forests like Lassen and Sequoia. Additionally, the Department of Defense is a significant landholder, especially noted for Camp Pendleton.

California’s rich natural heritage is further highlighted by its national parks, such as Yosemite and Death Valley, managed by the National Park Service, covering 7.6 million acres. This blend of federal stewardship supports both military readiness and conservation efforts.

8. Arizona

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 38.6%
• Area of federal land in state: 28.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 12.1 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.9%

Arizona has 38.6% of its land, about 28.1 million acres, under federal management, ranking it eighth in the U.S. for the extent of federally owned territory. Despite a decrease in federal land by 18.4% over three decades, the Bureau of Land Management remains the primary custodian, overseeing 12.1 million acres.

The significant federal presence, including lands managed by the Department of Defense and other bureaus, underscores Arizona’s role in national land stewardship and conservation, marking it as a state with vast public lands nearly matching the size of Pennsylvania.

9. Colorado

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 36.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 24.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 14.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.9%

In Colorado, over a third of the state, amounting to 24.1 million acres, is federally managed, with the Forest Service holding the lion’s share at 14.5 million acres. This coverage surpasses the combined land areas of several smaller U.S. states.

The state is rich in national forests, such as the White River and Arapaho, overseen by the Forest Service, contributing to Colorado’s reputation for vast natural landscapes and outdoor recreation. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management plays a significant role, administering nearly 8.4 million acres.

10. New Mexico

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 31.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 24.7 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Bureau of Land Management
  • How much land owned by main agency: 13.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 3.4%

New Mexico sees over 30% of its territory, totaling around 24.7 million acres, under federal control, ranking it tenth nationally. The Bureau of Land Management oversees the majority, with 13.5 million acres primarily for subsurface mineral management. Additionally, the state hosts the White Sands Missile Range, the U.S.’s largest military base by area at 3.5 million acres, emphasizing New Mexico’s significant role in both natural resource stewardship and national defense.

11. Montana

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 29.0%
• Area of federal land in state: 27.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 17.2 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.8%

In Montana, 29% of the state, amounting to 27.1 million acres, is federally managed, placing it ninth in the U.S. for federal land ownership. The Forest Service is the primary custodian, holding over half of this land. The Bureau of Land Management controls another significant portion, emphasizing the state’s commitment to natural resource conservation and public land access. Additionally, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage over 1.8 million acres combined.

12. Washington

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 28.6%
• Area of federal land in state: 12.2 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 9.3 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.2%

Washington’s landscape includes over 12.2 million acres of federally managed land, making up 28.6% of the state. The Forest Service oversees the majority, including vast tracts like the 4 million-acre Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and significant portions of the Cascade Mountains. The National Park Service also plays a key role in managing these cherished natural resources.

Additionally, the Department of Defense maintains a presence with around 420,000 acres, highlighted by the expansive Yakima Training Center.

13. Hawaii

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 20.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 829,830 acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 358,160 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 5.2%

In Hawaii, 20.2% of its land, totaling approximately 829,830 acres, is under federal management, a unique aspect being the absence of U.S. Forest Service territory. Instead, the National Park Service dominates, managing significant sites, including two national parks and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, cumulatively overseeing 358,160 acres.

The Department of Defense maintains a substantial presence across the islands, managing over 162,000 acres and operating more than 100 military facilities, including the extensive Pohakuloa Training Area.

14. New Hampshire

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 14.0%
• Area of federal land in state: 805,472 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 753,921 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In New Hampshire, 14% of the territory, or 805,472 acres, falls under federal management, marking it as the state with the highest percentage of federal land in the Northeast. This ranks it 14th across the U.S. for federal land ownership.

The vast majority of this, specifically 753,921 acres, is governed by the U.S. Forest Service, mainly through the White Mountain National Forest. This constitutes 13.1% of New Hampshire’s total land. Other federal bodies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Department of Defense collectively manage less than 1% of the state’s land.

15. Florida

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 12.9%
• Area of federal land in state: 4.5 million acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

In Florida, nearly 13% of the state, or 4.5 million acres, is federally owned, with the National Park Service holding the most significant portion at about 2.5 million acres. This includes the vast Everglades National Park, a crucial ecosystem and one of the largest wetlands globally.

The Department of Defense is another primary landholder, managing over 522,000 acres across 188 locations, including major bases like the sprawling Eglin Air Force Base in the panhandle.

16. Michigan

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 10.0%
• Area of federal land in state: 3.6 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2.9 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In Michigan, 10% of its land, totaling 3.6 million acres, falls under federal ownership, with the U.S. Forest Service managing the lion’s share of 2.9 million acres, primarily within the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

The National Park Service also plays a significant role, overseeing more than 630,000 acres that include the remote Isle Royale National Park among other protected historic sites and trails.

17. Arkansas

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 9.4%
• Area of federal land in state: 3.2 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2.6 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

In Arkansas, 9.4% of the state, translating to 3.2 million acres, is federally managed, predominantly by the Forest Service with 2.6 million acres in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. This represents a significant portion of the state’s land dedicated to conservation and recreation.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversees nearly 380,000 acres. Other federal entities like the Department of Defense, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service have minimal holdings, each managing less than 1% of the state’s federal land.

18. Virginia

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 9.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 2.4 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.7 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 4.5%

Virginia’s federal lands encompass 9.3% of the state, totaling 2.4 million acres, with the Forest Service managing the largest portion through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This accounts for 6.5% of Virginia’s territory.

Additionally, the state features a variety of national monuments and parks overseen by the National Park Service, covering over 300,000 acres. The Department of Defense is another significant landholder, with nearly 266,000 acres across more than 100 military bases, including notable installations like Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill.

19. Vermont

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 7.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 465,888 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 10,654 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.2%

Vermont has over 7% of its land, totaling 465,888 acres, under federal ownership, mainly by the U.S. Forest Service. This includes the vast Green Mountain National Forest, representing the bulk of this federal land.

The state’s position as a significant federal landholder is further accentuated by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defense, managing smaller portions, 34,195 acres and 11,203 acres, respectively.

20. North Carolina

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 7.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 2.4 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.3 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

North Carolina has 7.8% of its territory, amounting to 2.4 million acres, under federal control. Leading the charge, the U.S. Forest Service governs over half of these lands, including significant areas like the Pisgah National Forest.

Agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense also play substantial roles, each overseeing more than 1% of the state’s total landmass.

21. West Virginia

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 7.4%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.0 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 3.3%

In West Virginia, 7.4% of the state’s land, amounting to 1.1 million acres, is federally managed, with the Forest Service overseeing the lion’s share through the Monongahela National Forest.

The National Park Service manages 65,554 acres, including notable areas like the Bluestone National Scenic River and the Wheeling National Heritage Area.

22. Minnesota

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 6.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 3.5 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2.8 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.1%

Minnesota’s federal lands span 3.5 million acres, with 6.8% of the state under federal governance. The U.S. Forest Service manages the vast majority, especially in the northeastern regions near Canada and Lake Superior.

Additionally, the Fish and Wildlife Service oversees more than half a million acres. Notably, the Department of Defense’s presence is minimal, managing less than 2,000 acres, making Minnesota unique in its federal land distribution and management focus.

23. South Dakota

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 5.4%
• Area of federal land in state: 2.6 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2.0 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.6%

In South Dakota, 5.4% of the state, or 2.6 million acres, is federally owned, predominantly managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This includes significant stretches in the southwest, notably the Black Hills National Forest, home to the renowned Mount Rushmore.

The Forest Service’s stewardship covers three-quarters of the state’s federal lands, emphasizing the importance of these areas for conservation and national heritage.

24. Wisconsin

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 5.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.9 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.0%

Wisconsin’s federal lands, totaling 1.9 million acres, are primarily under the U.S. Forest Service’s care. Included in this is the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which spans 1.5 million acres. This accounts for more than 80% of the state’s federally managed areas.

From 1990 to 2018, Wisconsin experienced a significant reduction in its federal land holdings, with a decrease of 6.4% or over 126,000 acres, marking one of the steepest declines in the country during that time.

25. Georgia

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 5.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.9 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 867,580 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.2%

In Georgia, the Forest Service oversees the majority of the federal land, with close to 868,000 acres under its management. This includes significant natural reserves such as the Savannah River Site, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, along with extensive areas of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

Additionally, the Department of Defense has a substantial presence, owning over half a million acres, thanks to major Army installations like Fort Benning and Fort Stewart.

26. Mississippi

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 5.1%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.6 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.2 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.2%

In Mississippi, over 5% of the state’s land is federally owned, totaling around 1.6 million acres. The U.S. Forest Service is the primary steward of this land, managing vast expanses across several national forests such as Beinville, Tombigbee, De Soto, Homochitto, Holly Springs, and Delta. This makes up more than three-quarters of the federal land.

Following in terms of land management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversees 211,438 acres, while the National Park Service manages 104,369 acres, making them significant federal landholders in the state as well.

27. Tennessee

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 4.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.3 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  •  How much land owned by main agency:`722,057 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

Tennessee has about 1.3 million acres under federal management, equating to roughly 5% of the state. The Forest Service oversees the largest portion, including the extensive Cherokee National Forest, which spans 650,000 acres.

Additionally, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, managed by the National Park Service and covering over 522,000 acres, is partially located within Tennessee.

28. Louisiana

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 4.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.4 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency:` 608,546 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees 1.6%

In Louisiana, federal ownership accounts for 4.7% of the state’s land, totaling about 1.4 million acres. The U.S. Forest Service oversees the majority, including the expansive Kisatchie National Forest, which provides over 600,000 acres for public recreation—camping, hiking, and hunting.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers 582,000 acres, while the Department of Defense, including facilities like Fort Polk, possesses close to 143,000 acres, contributing to the state’s diverse use and management of federal lands.

29. South Carolina

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 4.5%
• Area of federal land in state: 875,316 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 634,594 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

In South Carolina, 4.5% of the state, or over 875,000 acres, is federally owned. The Forest Service manages the bulk of this land, including the Sumter National Forest in the northwest and the Francis Marion National Forest along the Atlantic Coast, emphasizing the state’s rich natural resources and recreational spaces.

The Department of Defense operates significant military installations such as Fort Jackson and Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station.

30. Kentucky

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 4.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.1 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 818,268 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.8%

In Kentucky, federal ownership constitutes 4.3% of the state, totaling around 1.1 million acres. The Forest Service, managing about 75% of this land, oversees the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky, a vast expanse exceeding 700,000 acres.

The state hosts the significant military site of Fort Knox, spanning over 100,000 acres and known globally as the location of the U.S. Bullion Depository.

31. North Dakota

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 3.9%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.7 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.1 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.1%

North Dakota’s landscape includes 1.7 million acres under federal management, accounting for nearly 4% of the state.

The majority, about 1.1 million acres, falls under the Forest Service’s jurisdiction, including the vast Little Missouri National Grassland in the west. This is the nation’s largest grassland, offering a unique ecosystem and vital extensive open spaces for wildlife species and natural resources management.

32. Missouri

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 3.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 1.7 million acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.5 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.9%

Missouri has 1.7 million acres under federal stewardship, nearly entirely overseen by the Forest Service, with Mark Twain National Forest spanning the southern region as its crown jewel. This vast woodland constitutes the bulk of the Forest Service’s domain within the state.

The Department of Defense claims over 79,000 acres, including significant military installations like Fort Leonard Wood. The Fish and Wildlife Service further contributes with over 61,000 acres distributed across various wildlife refuges, enriching Missouri’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

33. New Jersey

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 3.6%
• Area of federal land in state: 171,956 acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 73,785 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In New Jersey, the federal government oversees 171,956 acres, making it one of the states with the smallest federal land footprint. The leading steward, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, takes care of significant areas including the expansive Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge along the coast.

The Department of Defense has a substantial presence, managing over 60,000 acres, including the notable Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst near Trenton.

34. Maryland

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 3.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 205,362 acres
• Agency owning most land: Department of Defense
  • How much land owned by main agency: 113,487 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 5.3%

In Maryland, the federal government owns a modest 3.2% of the land, totaling 205,362 acres, with the Department of Defense (DoD) holding the lion’s share.

This significant presence is attributed to Maryland’s strategic location near Washington D.C., hosting five major military bases and over 100 DoD facilities, including Fort George G. Meade and the extensive Aberdeen Proving Ground. The state’s 2% of DoD-managed land ranks it second in the nation for military land use, underlining its critical role in national defense.

35. Alabama

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 2.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 880,188 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 670,889 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.6%

Alabama, with 2.7% of its land federally owned, 70% of which is forest. The U.S. Forest Service oversees over three-quarters of the federal acreage, notably the Talladega and William B. Bankhead National Forests.

36. Delaware

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 2.4%
• Area of federal land in state: 29,918 acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 25,543 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In Delaware, the federal government owns a modest 2.4% of the land, totaling 29,918 acres, with over 85% managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including notable areas like the Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges.

The Department of Defense follows as a significant landholder, primarily through the Dover Air Force Base.

37. Pennsylvania

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 2.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 622,160 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 513,891 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

Pennsylvania’s federal lands total 622,160 acres, 2.2% of its area, mostly managed by the Forest Service, particularly through the Allegheny National Forest. The National Park Service, owning 8.6% of federal lands, oversees significant sites like the Flight 93 National Memorial,

38. Texas

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.9%
• Area of federal land in state: 3.2 million acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 1.2 million acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.6%

In Texas, less than 2% of land is federally owned, with the National Park Service managing the largest portion. This includes two major national parks—Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park—as well as various historic sites.

Additionally, Texas houses major Army bases like Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, with the Department of Defense controlling about 20% of the state’s federal lands.

39. Indiana

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 384,726 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 204,318 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In Indiana, about 1.7% of the land is federally owned, totaling nearly 385,000 acres. The U.S. Forest Service oversees most, including the Hoosier National Forest. The Department of Defense manages significant portions too, with key installations like Crane Naval Support Station and Camp Atterbury.

40. Oklahoma

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.5%
• Area of federal land in state: 683,289 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 399,578 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.9%

Oklahoma has roughly 1.5% of its land, totaling 683,289 acres, owned by the federal government. The Forest Service oversees the largest portion, managing areas like the Black Kettle National Grassland. The Department of Defense follows, holding a significant quarter of this land through key sites like Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base.

41. Maine

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.5%
• Area of federal land in state: 301,481 acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 156,205 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.5%

In Maine, the federal government oversees 1.5% of the state’s land, totaling 301,481 acres, with the National Park Service managing the largest portion, including the renowned Acadia National Park along the coastline. This park alone draws 3.5 million visitors each year with its extensive hiking trails and is also a terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service manage significant portions of Maine’s federal lands.

42. Ohio

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 305,502 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 244,440 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.4%

In Ohio, the federal government manages 1.2% of the state’s territory, amounting to 305,502 acres, with the Forest Service overseeing 80% of this land, notably the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.

The Department of Defense, holding significant parcels like the National Guard Ravenna Training Site and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the state’s second-largest federal landholder, making up around 10% of federal lands.

43. Massachusetts

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 62,680 acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 33,336 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In Massachusetts, the federal government oversees a modest 1.2% of the state’s territory, equaling 62,680 acres. The National Park Service is the primary custodian, managing over half of this land, despite the absence of national parks. The NPS’s jurisdiction includes several historical sites, parks, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and parts of the Appalachian Trail.

44. Illinois

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.2%
• Area of federal land in state: 423,782 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  •  How much land owned by main agency: 304,538 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.3%

In Illinois, the federal government owns 1.2% of the land, totaling approximately 424,000 acres, with the Forest Service overseeing the majority, including the expansive Shawnee National Forest in the south. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defense are also key federal landholders, managing significant portions for conservation and military purposes.

45. Nebraska

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 1.1%
• Area of federal land in state: 546,852 acres
• Agency owning most land: Forest Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 351,205 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.7%

In Nebraska, the U.S. Forest Service manages over half of the federal land, totaling roughly 546,852 acres, or 1.1% of the state. This includes significant areas like the Oglala National Grassland and the Nebraska National Forest.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversees about 174,401 acres, contributing to Nebraska’s natural preservation efforts, while the Department of Defense holds around 10,000 acres for military purposes.

46. New York

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 0.8%
• Area of federal land in state: 230,992 acres
• Agency owning most land: Department of Defense
  • How much land owned by main agency: 151,233 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.2%

In New York, the federal government owns less than 1% of the land, with a total of 230,992 acres. The Department of Defense is the primary federal landowner, largely due to Fort Drum, which accommodates the 10th Mountain Division.

This military presence accounts for the majority of the federal land in the state, highlighting New York’s strategic importance despite its minimal federal land ownership.

47. Rhode Island

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 0.7%
• Area of federal land in state: 4,513 acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 2,415 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 2.2%

Rhode Island, the smallest state, holds just under 5,000 acres of federal land, making it the state with the least federal land in the U.S. This represents 0.7% of the state’s total area.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is the primary federal land manager, overseeing wildlife refuges like Block Island and Sachuest Point. Additionally, the Department of Defense operates key naval stations, with the most significant in Newport, reflecting Rhode Island’s strategic importance despite its minimal federal land presence.

48. Kansas

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 0.5%
• Area of federal land in state: 253,919 acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service: Department of Defense
  • How much land owned by main agency: 115,326 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.8%

Kansas has a modest federal land presence, with the Department of Defense owning the largest portion—over 115,000 acres, including significant sites like Fort Riley and the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range.

Following closely, the National Forest Service manages areas such as the Cimarron National Grassland in the state’s southwest, contributing to Kansas’s overall federal land, which totals less than 0.5% of its land area.

49. Iowa

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 0.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 97,509 acres
• Agency owning most land: Fish and Wildlife Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 73,427 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.1%

In Iowa, federal ownership is minimal, covering only 0.3% of the state with about 97,500 acres. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the largest portion, overseeing numerous wildlife refuges and operating offices in several cities.

The Department of Defense also has a significant presence through Camp Dodge and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.

50. Connecticut

• Percentage of land owned by federal government: 0.3%
• Area of federal land in state: 9,110 acres
• Agency owning most land: National Park Service
  • How much land owned by main agency: 5,846 acres
• Percentage of state workforce who are federal employees: 1.1%

In Connecticut, federal land comprises a mere 0.3% of the state’s territory, totaling about 9,000 acres. The majority of this land, 5,846 acres, is managed by the National Park Service, which oversees sections of the Appalachian Trail and the New England Scenic Trail.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the second biggest federal land manager here, responsible for 1,754 acres and operating out of Westbrook and Tolland.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.We have some of the world’s most beautiful and breathtaking natural wonders. America is home to stunningly beautiful natural spaces where plants and animals thrive. Places that humanity hasn’t built on and ruined. Where you can explore and hike and marvel at Mother Nature. Find fossils, get great photos, and generally have a wonderful time. Here are some of the best National Parks in the US.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.In a world where the stability of our power grid is increasingly under threat, knowing which urban areas to avoid during a blackout is crucial for any serious prepper. And which areas to escape as quickly as possible. When you’re making your survival plans, keep in mind that these are the places you don’t want to be.

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Choosing a refuge in the event of societal collapse involves weighing the pros and cons of each location against your personal preparedness goals and abilities. Whether you’re drawn to the solitude of the desert or the protective heights of the mountains, the key is finding a place that offers safety and the opportunity for growth and renewal.

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