Seven of the 10 states with the lowest prime-age EPOP are in the South: Prime-age EPOP by state and for the U.S.
| State | EPOP |
|---|---|
| United States | 78.2% |
| Oklahoma | 75.9% |
| California | 75.6% |
| Kentucky | 75.3% |
| Alaska | 75.3% |
| Arkansas | 75.2% |
| Louisiana | 74.6% |
| Alabama | 74.4% |
| New Mexico | 73.0% |
| Mississippi | 73.0% |
| West Virginia | 72.7% |
Source: EPI analysis of 2017–2021 Current Population Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.