The United States of America is the fourth-largest country in the world by area. It is home to more than 19,400 incorporated cities, towns, and villages. Some of its cities cover thousands of square miles, ranking them above the rest. These cities offer various opportunities for industrial development because of their massive area. Here is the list of the 10 largest cities in the United States of America. 

List of 10 Largest Cities in the United States by Area

1. Sitka (2,870.3 mi²)
2. Juneau (2,701.9 mi²)
3. Wrangell (2,542.5 mi²)
4. Anchorage (1,704.7 mi²)
5. Jacksonville (747 mi²)
6. Anaconda (735.6 mi²)
7. Butte (716.2 mi²)
8. Oklahoma City (607 mi²)
9. Houston (599.6 mi²)
10. Phoenix (516.7 mi²)

1) Sitka

Sitka is a city in the state of Alaska that stands as the largest city in the United States by area. It covers a massive area of 2,870.3 square miles. Originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, Sitka’s history dates back to the early 18th century when Russians established a settlement here in 1799, making it the capital of Russian America. The city changed hands in the United States in 1867 with the Alaska Purchase.

Sitka’s huge territory includes the city’s core as well as preserved wilderness, such as the Tongass National Forest and many islands off the rocky coast. Due to the city’s unique geography, both locals and tourists have unmatched access to outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, kayaking, and animal viewing.

Sitka is known for its natural beauty, but it also has a rich cultural history, as seen by sites like the Russian Orthodox church built in the middle of the 19th century, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Held in October, the city’s yearly Alaska Day Festival honors the official handover of Alaska from Russia to the United States. The Sitka Historical Society and Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its array of artifacts and displays covering the rich history of the region.

The combination of Sitka’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture make it an enthralling example of the size and diversity of America’s major towns.

2) Juneau

With an area of 2,701.9 square miles, Juneau, Alaska, is now the second-largest city in the United States. Juneau, the state capital, offers both locals and tourists a unique Alaskan experience by combining its enormous environment with historical significance.

Juneau was established in 1881, during the height of the gold rush, and its past is deeply entwined with the mining industry. Both the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and the imposing Mount Juneau dominate the metropolis, adding to Juneau’s amazing natural beauty. Easily reachable from the city, the Mendenhall Glacier is a popular destination that draws tourists in to see the majesty of this glacial monster.

Juneau is unique not just because of its size but also because of its accessibility. It is mostly reachable by plane or sea, and its isolated position adds to its attraction by offering a sense of solitude and adventure.

Institutions like the Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Alaska State Museum demonstrate the city’s dedication to maintaining its rich cultural legacy. These locations provide an insight into the native civilizations that have long flourished in the area. With its enormous size, breathtaking natural features, and priceless cultural artifacts, Juneau is a symbol of the varied and captivating American landscapes.

Also read: Most Populated States in the USA

3) Wrangell

Wrangell is a hidden treasure and the third-biggest city in the US by land area which covers a staggering 2,542.5 square miles. Its history predates the arrival of European explorers, adding a layer of ancient charm to its identity. It was founded thousands of years ago by the Tlingit people.

The Tongass National Forest, the Stikine River, and the city’s advantageous location on Wrangell Island all surround the city, offering a breathtaking view of the beautiful nature. The majestic Sentinel Peak and the vast Stikine Icefield dominate Wrangell’s scenery, enthralling tourists with their rugged beauty.

Wrangell has a rich cultural past, best represented by the Chief Shakes Tribal House, a 19th-century Tlingit building of historical significance. This place provides insights into the lively traditions of the area and acts as a concrete link to Wrangell’s indigenous past.

Wrangell is primarily accessible by ferry or light aircraft, and its isolated location guarantees a true Alaskan experience, drawing visitors looking for wild scenery and a real sense of being in one with nature. Kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts find the city to be a sanctuary because of its close vicinity to the Stikine River.

Besides its natural beauty, Wrangell takes pride in being the gateway to the neighboring LeConte Glacier, one of North America’s southernmost tidewater glaciers. Because of its proximity, tourists can experience the untainted power of nature and take in the magnificent spectacle of calving ice. Wrangell is a prime example of the diversity and grandeur present in America’s biggest cities because of its enormous size, rich cultural legacy, and unmatched natural beauty.

4) Anchorage

Anchorage is the fourth-largest city in the United States by total area covering 1,704.7 square miles. Anchorage was founded in 1914 as a port for the Alaska Railroad and has developed into a thriving city surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Anchorage presents a unique combination of modern conveniences with unmatched scenic beauty between the Cook Inlet’s waters and the Chugach Mountains. With easy access to hiking trails, fishing sites, and animal viewing possibilities, the city serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Anchorage is known for being the center of the state’s economy and culture. Institutions like the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which displays the customs and artistic abilities of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, are testaments to the city’s diverse population and vibrant cultural environment.

The Alaska Aviation Museum honors the contribution of airplanes to the growth of the state by putting the history of aviation in Anchorage front and center. Alaska’s main transportation hub, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, links the state with the rest of the world.

Anchorage is a gateway to Alaska’s immense wilderness, with Denali National Park and Preserve only a few hours away. The city is also the site of the famous ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an occasion that embodies the essence of Alaska’s rugged landscape and time-honored customs. The vast region of Anchorage includes both a bustling city and a jumping-off point for discovering the wild splendor of the Last Frontier. 

Also read: Best Solar Companies in the USA

5) Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is firmly established as the fifth-largest city in the United States by area covering 747 square miles. The city was established in 1791 and has a long history that roots from its advantageous location on the Atlantic coast and the St. Johns River.

The city is well-known for its many ecosystems and is the location of the large Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, which features salt marshes, coastal dunes, and historic ruins. The St. Johns River’s beautiful splendor complements Jacksonville’s expansive metropolitan setting, providing residents and visitors with a plethora of options for leisurely activities and relaxation on the water.

Jacksonville is an important seaport that contributes significantly to Florida’s trade and economy. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is enhanced by the presence of famous structures like the Florida Theatre and Jacksonville Landing in its busy downtown region. The city’s cultural appeal is enhanced by the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which is located along the riverbanks and has an amazing collection of American and European artwork.

A key installation supporting US Navy operations, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, highlights the city’s prominence as a center of military activity. Jacksonville is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts because of its pleasant climate and vast park system, which includes the enormous Hanna Park.

6) Anaconda

Anaconda, Montana, is a city that occupies 735.6 square miles and offers a unique combination of historical significance and gigantic natural surroundings. Anaconda was a thriving mining town that was founded in 1883 and was primarily impacted by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company.

Anaconda’s historical district, which features well-preserved buildings and structures that offer a visible link to the city’s industrial past, helps to maintain the memory of its mining industry. Rising to a height of 585 feet, the Anaconda Smoke Stack is a striking reminder of the city’s copper smelting past and a conspicuous sight on the local skyline.

Anaconda provides plenty of outdoor leisure options for both locals and visitors thanks to its accessibility to the breathtaking Georgetown Lake and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. 

Besides being a difficult course, the Old Works Golf Course, created by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, highlights Anaconda’s dedication to environmental restoration. Constructed on the location of a former copper smelter, the golf course showcases the city’s commitment to sustainability by combining aspects of the industrial past into a leisure area.

Also read: Largest Zoos in the United States

7) Butte 

Butte, Montana, is a large city with a lot of history. It covers 716.2 square miles of area. Butte’s history is rooted in mining, specifically in copper mining, and the city was essential in the growth of the American West. It was founded in the late 1800s.

Butte’s historic area, which is home to well-preserved Victorian buildings, recalls its mining background. It is known as the “Richest Hill on Earth” because of its tremendous mineral richness. The recognizable headframes of the city and the ruins of its mining enterprises are moving reminders of its prosperous past.

The Berkeley Pit, a repurposed open-pit copper mine turned Superfund site, is one of Butte’s most famous monuments. The acidic water-filled pit is known for its special ecological problems and reminds us of Butte’s industrial past. 

Events that honor the state’s rich cultural legacy, such as the Montana Folk Festival, contribute to the vibrant cultural environment in Butte. Venues such as the Mother Lode Theatre, which showcases performances and activities that add to Butte’s cultural vibrancy, are proof of the city’s thriving arts scene.

Encircled by the immense splendor of the Montana landscape, Butte affords outdoor enthusiasts the chance to engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and visiting the neighboring national forests. The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area, which are close by, provide an opportunity for locals and tourists to fully appreciate the rural splendor of the area.

8) Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, with a total area of around 607 square miles, is one of the largest cities in the US in terms of both population and area. Oklahoma City, which was founded during the Land Run of 1889, has developed into a vibrant urban hub with a rich history, a diversified cultural scene, and economic significance.

Modern skyscrapers, old neighborhoods, and large green areas define the city’s landscape. Constructed in memory of the bombing victims in 1995, the Oklahoma City National Memorial serves as a moving testament to the resiliency and camaraderie of the city. With its refurbished warehouses, the Bricktown Entertainment District has bars, restaurants, and entertainment options in a lively setting.

Oklahoma City has grown to be a significant center of the economy, dominating sectors including oil, aviation, and healthcare. The NBA club Oklahoma City Thunder enhances the sports culture and community involvement of the city, and the Chesapeake Energy Arena functions as a hub for events and entertainment.

Institutions that display a wide variety of artistic and cultural expressions, such as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, are testaments to the city’s dedication to the arts. Situated in the downtown region, Scissortail Park occupies 70 acres and offers inhabitants a green space for leisure and enjoyment.

9) Houston

Houston, Texas, is one of the largest cities in the US in terms of both population and area covering 599.6 square miles. Since its founding in 1836, Houston has expanded into a flourishing city with a diverse population, a strong economy, and a rich history that is closely linked to the growth of the Lone Star State.

Houston serves as a global center for several industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and energy. Towering buildings dominate the skyline, a symbol of the city’s economic significance. Situated in the Clear Lake region, the NASA Johnson Space Center is a hub for space exploration and research and helps Houston maintain its status as Space City, USA.

Houston’s dedication to cultural enrichment is reflected in the Museum District, which is home to organizations like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Theater District contributes to Houston’s thriving arts and entertainment industry with locations like the Wortham Theater Center and the Alley Theatre.

Hermann Park, which includes the Houston Zoo, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the lovely McGovern Centennial Gardens, is a prime example of the city’s commitment to green spaces. Buffalo Bayou Park is a city retreat for outdoor recreation, including cycling and jogging, for locals and tourists.

Also read: Largest Lakes in the United States

10) Phoenix

Sprawling across an area of roughly 516.7 square miles, Phoenix, Arizona, is among the biggest cities in the country. Phoenix was founded in 1868 and has grown from a tiny farming town to a thriving city in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.

Phoenix, which is well-known for its pleasant weather and abundant sunshine, draws both locals and tourists with its outdoor attractions. The city is home to a wide variety of desert plants and animals, and its South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the biggest municipal parks in the nation, has miles of trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking that offer breathtaking views of the city below.

Projects like the Phoenix Light Rail, which offers an effective public transportation system, and efforts to solve the issues of water conservation in the desert environment demonstrate the city’s dedication to sustainability. The academic and research prominence of the city is enhanced by Arizona State University, which is among the biggest public universities in the United States.

Phoenix’s communities and culinary options showcase the city’s cultural diversity. Events like the yearly Dia de los Muertos festival and the Calle 16 Mural Project honor the city’s Hispanic roots.

Conclusion

The United States of America covers more than 9.834 million square kilometers in area which makes it the the fourth-largest country in the world. China and the US have almost the same area. While most people talk about the largest cities in terms of their population, this guide has ranked the top 10 largest cities in the United States in terms of their area. 

Sr. No	US City	Area
1	Sitka	(2,870.3 mi²)
2	Juneau	(2,701.9 mi²)
3	Wrangell	(2,542.5 mi²)
4	Anchorage	(1,704.7 mi²)
5	Jacksonville	(747 mi²)
6	Anaconda	(735.6 mi²)
7	Butte	(716.2 mi²)
8	Oklahoma City	(607 mi²)
9	Houston	(599.6 mi²)
10	Phoenix	(516.7 mi²)

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