Exploring the Largest Cities in the USA by Area

(Seo Meta Description: Discover the largest cities in the USA by area, from Sitka Alaska to Jacksonville Florida. Learn about largest city by area and size comparisons in the United States.)

Introduction

When it comes to size, the United States has a diverse landscape with cities spanning vast areas. Among these, Sitka, Alaska, emerges as the largest city within the continental US by land area. This article explores the largest cities by area, comparing them to the most populous cities, and provides insights into the technicality and common perception of largest city by area.

The Largest City by Area: Sitka, Alaska

Technically, the largest city in the United States by land area is Sitka, Alaska. Spanning over 2,870.3 square miles (7,434.04 square kilometers), Sitka rivals large states in terms of size but its population is surprisingly low, with only about 10,000 residents. However, when people generally refer to the largest city, they usually mean the most populous, such as New York City.

Common Misconceptions

Understanding the difference between population and area is essential. While Sitka is technically the largest, it does not feel like a bustling metropolis. Here are some key comparisons:

Registered Population: Sitka: ~10,000; Anchorage: ~295,000; New York City: ~8.4 million. Land Area: Sitka: Over 2,800 sq miles; Anchorage: ~1,700 sq miles; New York City: ~303 sq miles. Metropolitan Area: Sitka: Limited; Anchorage: ~1.3 million; New York City: ~19 million.

Truly, Anchorage, Alaska is the largest populated area in the lower 48 states, with a sizable population and significant land area. Meanwhile, Jacksonville, Florida, has the largest land area among the largest cities outside of Alaska, with 747 sq miles, and a population of about 950,000, making it the largest city by total area in the continental US.

Top 10 Largest Cities by Area

Here are the top 10 largest cities by area in the United States, emphasizing those in Alaska and Kansas:

Sitka, Alaska (2,870.3 sq miles) Juneau, Alaska (1,486.8 sq miles) Wrangell, Alaska (~1,880 sq miles) Anchorage, Alaska (1,700.2 sq miles) Tribune, Kansas (1,279.1 sq miles) Jacksonville, Florida (747.1 sq miles) Anaconda, Montana (662.2 sq miles) Butte, Montana (~600.5 sq miles) Houston, Texas (658.2 sq miles, 6.77 million metropolitan area) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (386.2 sq miles, 644,987 population)

Note that Houston is the only city among the top 10 with a population exceeding 1 million, while New York City is not included in this list even though it is the second-most populous city in the US.

The Role of Water in City Size

Some cities have significant water areas, such as San Francisco. Despite its expansive coastline, only 46.9 square miles of San Francisco is land, making it a challenging candidate for the largest city by area.

Grammar and Usage of 'Which' vs. 'What'

The difference between using 'which' and 'what' is primarily in the range of possible answers and the nature of the question. While which is used to specify a particular answer from a limited range, what can be used more broadly:

Which is used when there is a specific set of options: 'What car are we going in?' (Indirect question) Which is used to ask for a specific choice: 'Which museums did you visit?' (Specific and direct question) What is used more broadly to ask about a variety of options: 'What do you prefer, lemon cake or carrot cake?' (More flexibility and broader range)

This distinction is crucial for accurate communication, especially in contexts where precision in language usage is paramount.

Conclusion

The largest cities in the US by area showcase the vast diversity of landscapes and environments within the country. From the expansive wilderness of Alaska to the sprawling metropolis of Texas, each city has unique characteristics that make it stand out. Understanding these differences helps in appreciating the true scale and diversity of America's cityscapes.