S&P 500
0.00
+0.00%
Dow Jones
50,108.60
+0.53%
Nasdaq 100
0.00
+0.00%
Russell 2000
0.00
+0.00%
FTSE 100
10,359.80
+0.04%
Nikkei 225
0.00
+0.00%
Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Rise as Optimism Returns on Stronger China Relations

Military

The Top U.S. States With the Largest National Guard Forces

Photo of Sam Stebbins
By Sam Stebbins Published

Key Points

  • President Trump’s recent use of the National Guard in major American cities, often over the objections of local and state officials, has drawn comparisons to rare historical instances when presidents have federalized the Guard, as most deployments are typically initiated by state governments.

  • Today, each of the 50 states has its own National Guard force, which can operate under the direction of both the state governor and the President of the United States.

  • It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1,000 in stock for a limited time, and all it takes is a $50 deposit to get started. See for yourself (Sponsor)
    DISCLOSURE:
    INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees. Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org). There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options  Investing in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation.
This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.
The Top U.S. States With the Largest National Guard Forces

© Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images

With the stated purpose of reducing crime and supporting deportation initiatives, President Donald Trump has sent National Guard troops to the streets of several American cities. So far, the National Guard has been deployed in Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. Troop deployments are also pending in Portland, Oregon, and the President has suggested that Baltimore, New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco may be next.

Notably, the National Guard is not explicitly a law enforcement organization. While the National Guard reports to the Defense Department, guardsmen and women are most often deployed by state governors — typically to respond to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The National Guard is also a component of America’s military reserve forces, and as such, troops can be activated by the sitting president in response to national emergencies or security threats at home or abroad.

Because most deployments have been at the direction of state governments, the current use of the National Guard represents a significant break from historical precedent. Additionally, the National Guard’s presence in certain American cities has occurred despite objections from some local mayors and governors.

According to the latest Defense Department data, each state has its own Army and Air National Guard force, numbering in the thousands or tens of thousands. Cumulatively, there are nearly 420,000 guardsmen and women nationwide, or about 12.3 troops for every 10,000 Americans. In some states, however, the National Guard has a far larger presence than in others. 

Using data from the Defense Manpower Data Center, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the largest National Guard forces. States are ranked by the combined number of Army and Air National Guard troops for every 10,000 people. Data on troop levels are current as of June 2025. Population figures used in these calculations are one year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey. Supplemental data on National Guard and reserve troop payrolls by state are current as of fiscal 2023 and are from the Defense Department’s Defense Spending by State report.

The number of National Guard troops ranges from about 2,500 to 22,400 among the 50 states. Adjusting for population, the concentration of guardsmen and women in each state varies from 4.4 troops for every 10,000 people, to 51.6 per 10,000. 

The top-ranking states on this list — those with the highest population-adjusted number guardsmen and women — tend to have smaller overall populations. Meanwhile, the most populous states — like California, Florida, New York, and Texas — have more National Guard troops in absolute terms, but their large populations mean there are fewer guardsmen and women per capita.

These are the states with the largest National Guard forces. 

Why It Matters

thenationalguard / CC BY 2.0 /Flickr

Founded in 1636 as a consolidation of militia regiments, the National Guard is older than every branch of the U.S. military and even predates the country itself. Today, each of the 50 states has its own National Guard force, typically deployed to assist in emergencies such as natural disasters. President Trump’s use of the National Guard in American cities to combat crime and aid in deportation efforts — often despite objections from local and state governments — has made the military reserve organization the subject of ongoing political controversy.

50. California

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 4.4 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 17,346 — 3rd most of the 50 states (73.2% Army NG, 26.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 3.2 per 10,000 people (the fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 1.2 per 10,000 people (3rd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $1.7 billion
  • State population: 39,431,263 (the largest of the 50 states)

49. Florida

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 4.6 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,760 — 14th most of the 50 states (80.9% Army NG, 19.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 3.7 per 10,000 people (2nd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 0.9 per 10,000 people (the fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $1.2 billion
  • State population: 23,372,215 (3rd largest of the 50 states)

48. Texas

MMADIA / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 7.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 22,367 — the most of the 50 states (86.2% Army NG, 13.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 6.2 per 10,000 people (5th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 1.0 per 10,000 people (2nd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $1.5 billion
  • State population: 31,290,831 (2nd largest of the 50 states)

47. New York

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 8.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 17,404 — 2nd most of the 50 states (66.6% Army NG, 33.4% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 5.8 per 10,000 people (3rd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (16th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $1.0 billion
  • State population: 19,867,248 (4th largest of the 50 states)

46. Colorado

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 8.9 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 5,319 — 16th fewest of the 50 states (68.0% Army NG, 32.0% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 6.1 per 10,000 people (4th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (13th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 5,957,494 (21st largest of the 50 states)

45. New Jersey

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,670 — 21st most of the 50 states (72.9% Army NG, 27.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 6.6 per 10,000 people (6th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.5 per 10,000 people (9th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 9,500,851 (11th largest of the 50 states)

44. North Carolina

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.4 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,400 — 17th most of the 50 states (86.1% Army NG, 13.9% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 8.1 per 10,000 people (14th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 1.3 per 10,000 people (4th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $600 million
  • State population: 11,046,024 (9th largest of the 50 states)

43. Washington

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 7,541 — 24th fewest of the 50 states (73.8% Army NG, 26.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 7.0 per 10,000 people (9th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.5 per 10,000 people (11th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 7,958,180 (13th largest of the 50 states)

42. Maryland

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 5,966 — 19th fewest of the 50 states (69.8% Army NG, 30.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 6.6 per 10,000 people (7th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (15th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $600 million
  • State population: 6,263,220 (18th largest of the 50 states)

41. Michigan

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 9,803 — 18th most of the 50 states (75.9% Army NG, 24.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 7.3 per 10,000 people (10th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.3 per 10,000 people (7th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 10,140,459 (10th largest of the 50 states)

40. Virginia

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,572 — 23rd most of the 50 states (83.0% Army NG, 17.0% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 8.1 per 10,000 people (13th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 1.7 per 10,000 people (5th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $1.0 billion
  • State population: 8,811,195 (12th largest of the 50 states)

39. Illinois

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 9.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 12,494 — 10th most of the 50 states (78.4% Army NG, 21.6% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 7.7 per 10,000 people (11th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.1 per 10,000 people (6th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $600 million
  • State population: 12,710,158 (6th largest of the 50 states)

38. Arizona

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 10.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 7,570 — 25th fewest of the 50 states (66.9% Army NG, 33.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 6.7 per 10,000 people (8th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.3 per 10,000 people (21st fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 7,582,384 (14th largest of the 50 states)

37. Massachusetts

Darren McCollester / Getty Images News via Getty Images
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 11.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 7,887 — 25th most of the 50 states (73.5% Army NG, 26.5% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 8.1 per 10,000 people (15th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (18th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 7,136,171 (16th largest of the 50 states)

36. Ohio

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 12.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 14,334 — 5th most of the 50 states (65.9% Army NG, 34.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 8.0 per 10,000 people (12th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.1 per 10,000 people (25th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $700 million
  • State population: 11,883,304 (7th largest of the 50 states)

35. Georgia

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 12.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 14,145 — 6th most of the 50 states (80.2% Army NG, 19.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.2 per 10,000 people (19th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.5 per 10,000 people (12th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $800 million
  • State population: 11,180,878 (8th largest of the 50 states)

34. Pennsylvania

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 12.9 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 16,935 — 4th most of the 50 states (77.4% Army NG, 22.6% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.0 per 10,000 people (17th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (17th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $700 million
  • State population: 13,078,751 (5th largest of the 50 states)

33. Connecticut

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 13.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,763 — 15th fewest of the 50 states (76.5% Army NG, 23.5% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 9.9 per 10,000 people (16th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.0 per 10,000 people (19th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 3,675,069 (22nd smallest of the 50 states)

32. Nevada

Ethan Miller / Getty Images News via Getty Images
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 13.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,412 — 14th fewest of the 50 states (74.2% Army NG, 25.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.0 per 10,000 people (18th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.5 per 10,000 people (23rd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 3,267,467 (20th smallest of the 50 states)

31. Wisconsin

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 14.3 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,530 — 24th most of the 50 states (73.7% Army NG, 26.3% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.5 per 10,000 people (20th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.8 per 10,000 people (24th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 5,960,975 (20th largest of the 50 states)

30. New Mexico

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 15.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 3,200 — 7th fewest of the 50 states (72.3% Army NG, 27.7% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.9 per 10,000 people (22nd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.2 per 10,000 people (24th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 2,130,256 (15th smallest of the 50 states)

29. Oregon

Oregon National Guard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 15.6 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 6,648 — 20th fewest of the 50 states (69.2% Army NG, 30.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 10.8 per 10,000 people (21st fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.8 per 10,000 people (20th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $300 million
  • State population: 4,272,371 (24th smallest of the 50 states)

28. Kentucky

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 16.4 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 7,539 — 23rd fewest of the 50 states (85.1% Army NG, 14.9% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 14.0 per 10,000 people (23rd most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.4 per 10,000 people (8th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 4,588,372 (25th smallest of the 50 states)

27. Indiana

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 17.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 11,791 — 11th most of the 50 states (83.2% Army NG, 16.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 14.2 per 10,000 people (22nd most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.9 per 10,000 people (14th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 6,924,275 (17th largest of the 50 states)

26. Missouri

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 17.2 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,711 — 15th most of the 50 states (80.6% Army NG, 19.4% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 13.8 per 10,000 people (24th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.3 per 10,000 people (22nd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 6,245,466 (19th largest of the 50 states)

25. Tennessee

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 17.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 12,650 — 9th most of the 50 states (74.0% Army NG, 26.0% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 13.0 per 10,000 people (25th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.6 per 10,000 people (22nd most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 7,227,750 (15th largest of the 50 states)

24. New Hampshire

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 18.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 2,655 — 2nd fewest of the 50 states (59.0% Army NG, 41.0% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 11.1 per 10,000 people (23rd fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 7.7 per 10,000 people (13th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 1,409,032 (10th smallest of the 50 states)

23. Maine

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 19.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 2,685 — 3rd fewest of the 50 states (59.1% Army NG, 40.9% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 11.3 per 10,000 people (24th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 7.8 per 10,000 people (12th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 1,405,012 (9th smallest of the 50 states)

22. South Carolina

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 19.6 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,761 — 13th most of the 50 states (87.4% Army NG, 12.6% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 17.2 per 10,000 people (16th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 2.5 per 10,000 people (10th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 5,478,831 (23rd largest of the 50 states)

21. Nebraska

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 21.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,221 — 12th fewest of the 50 states (73.9% Army NG, 26.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 15.5 per 10,000 people (20th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 5.5 per 10,000 people (18th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 2,005,466 (14th smallest of the 50 states)

20. Idaho

The National Guard / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 21.2 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,249 — 13th fewest of the 50 states (70.7% Army NG, 29.3% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 15.0 per 10,000 people (21st most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 6.2 per 10,000 people (16th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 2,001,619 (13th smallest of the 50 states)

19. Utah

The National Guard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 21.3 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 7,470 — 22nd fewest of the 50 states (80.4% Army NG, 19.6% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 17.1 per 10,000 people (17th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.2 per 10,000 people (23rd most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 3,503,613 (21st smallest of the 50 states)

18. Oklahoma

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 21.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,927 — 19th most of the 50 states (75.7% Army NG, 24.3% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 16.5 per 10,000 people (18th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 5.3 per 10,000 people (19th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 4,095,393 (23rd smallest of the 50 states)

17. Minnesota

JoeChristensen / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 22.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 12,781 — 7th most of the 50 states (81.8% Army NG, 18.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 18.0 per 10,000 people (15th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.0 per 10,000 people (25th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 5,793,151 (22nd largest of the 50 states)

16. Kansas

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 22.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 6,694 — 21st fewest of the 50 states (69.2% Army NG, 30.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 15.6 per 10,000 people (19th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 6.9 per 10,000 people (14th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $300 million
  • State population: 2,970,606 (17th smallest of the 50 states)

15. Louisiana

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 23.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,945 — 12th most of the 50 states (86.8% Army NG, 13.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 20.7 per 10,000 people (10th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 3.1 per 10,000 people (20th fewest of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 4,597,740 (25th largest of the 50 states)

14. Delaware

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 23.8 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 2,505 — the fewest of the 50 states (57.9% Army NG, 42.1% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 13.8 per 10,000 people (25th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 10.0 per 10,000 people (8th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 1,051,917 (6th smallest of the 50 states)

13. Alabama

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 24.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 12,718 — 8th most of the 50 states (81.2% Army NG, 18.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 20.0 per 10,000 people (13th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 4.6 per 10,000 people (21st most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 5,157,699 (24th largest of the 50 states)

12. Iowa

The National Guard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 27.3 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,854 — 20th most of the 50 states (78.8% Army NG, 21.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 21.5 per 10,000 people (8th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 5.8 per 10,000 people (17th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $300 million
  • State population: 3,241,488 (19th smallest of the 50 states)

11. Arkansas

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 28.1 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 8,666 — 22nd most of the 50 states (77.1% Army NG, 22.9% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 21.6 per 10,000 people (6th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 6.4 per 10,000 people (15th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $300 million
  • State population: 3,088,354 (18th smallest of the 50 states)

10. Rhode Island

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 28.3 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 3,145 — 6th fewest of the 50 states (66.7% Army NG, 33.3% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 18.9 per 10,000 people (14th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 9.4 per 10,000 people (9th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 1,112,308 (7th smallest of the 50 states)

9. Montana

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 29.4 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 3,348 — 8th fewest of the 50 states (69.6% Army NG, 30.4% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 20.5 per 10,000 people (12th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 9.0 per 10,000 people (10th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 1,137,233 (8th smallest of the 50 states)

8. West Virginia

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 33.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 5,834 — 18th fewest of the 50 states (65.5% Army NG, 34.5% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 21.6 per 10,000 people (7th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 11.4 per 10,000 people (7th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 1,769,979 (12th smallest of the 50 states)

7. Mississippi

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 35.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 10,511 — 16th most of the 50 states (75.8% Army NG, 24.2% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 27.1 per 10,000 people (3rd most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 8.6 per 10,000 people (11th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $500 million
  • State population: 2,943,045 (16th smallest of the 50 states)

6. Hawaii

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 37.0 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 5,345 — 17th fewest of the 50 states (56.3% Army NG, 43.7% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 20.8 per 10,000 people (9th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 16.2 per 10,000 people (3rd most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $400 million
  • State population: 1,446,146 (11th smallest of the 50 states)

5. Vermont

The National Guard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 41.7 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 2,703 — 4th fewest of the 50 states (62.3% Army NG, 37.7% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 26.0 per 10,000 people (4th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 15.7 per 10,000 people (4th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 648,493 (2nd smallest of the 50 states)

4. South Dakota

thenationalguard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 44.3 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,096 — 10th fewest of the 50 states (73.2% Army NG, 26.8% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 32.4 per 10,000 people (2nd most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 11.9 per 10,000 people (6th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 924,669 (5th smallest of the 50 states)

3. Wyoming

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 46.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 2,733 — 5th fewest of the 50 states (55.3% Army NG, 44.7% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 25.7 per 10,000 people (5th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 20.8 per 10,000 people (2nd most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 587,618 (the smallest of the 50 states)

2. Alaska

  • National Guard troop presence in state: 48.5 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 3,593 — 9th fewest of the 50 states (42.3% Army NG, 57.7% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 20.5 per 10,000 people (11th most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 28.0 per 10,000 people (the most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $200 million
  • State population: 740,133 (3rd smallest of the 50 states)

1. North Dakota

US Army Corp of Engineers via Wikimedia Commons
  • National Guard troop presence in state: 51.6 per 10,000 people
  • Total number of National Guard troops in state: 4,111 — 11th fewest of the 50 states (70.4% Army NG, 29.6% Air NG)
  • Army National Guard troop presence in state: 36.3 per 10,000 people (the most of the 50 states)
  • Air National Guard troop presence in state: 15.3 per 10,000 people (5th most of the 50 states)
  • Annual reserve and National Guard payroll in state: Approx. $100 million
  • State population: 796,568 (4th smallest of the 50 states)
Follow 24/7 Wall St. on Google
Photo of Sam Stebbins
About the Author Sam Stebbins →

Sam Stebbins is a writer at 247WallSt.com where his primary focus is on government policy, politics, companies, and broad social and economic trends. Sam has been writing in the money and news verticals for over 8 years and holds a bachelor's degree from Hobart College, which he earned in 2010. Sam resides in upstate New York and enjoys hiking, biking, canoeing, and skiing in the Adirondack Mountains and across the Northeast.

Continue Reading

Where the Most US Marines Are Stationed on the East Coast
Sam Stebbins |

Where the Most US Marines Are Stationed on the East Coast

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

This State is a Hub For the Newest Branch of the US Military
Sam Stebbins |

This State is a Hub For the Newest Branch of the US Military

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

This State Has the Highest Concentration of Active-Duty Army Personnel in the Country
Sam Stebbins |

This State Has the Highest Concentration of Active-Duty Army Personnel in the Country

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

The Largest Military Branch in South Dakota
Sam Stebbins |

The Largest Military Branch in South Dakota

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

How Many Military Personnel Guard America’s Last Frontier?
Jessica Lynn |

How Many Military Personnel Guard America’s Last Frontier?

Russian military planes and vessels have been increasingly coming closer to U.S. territory, concerning the U.S. government about the rising…

Nearly 1-in-10 American Military Personnel Are Stationed in This State
Sam Stebbins |

Nearly 1-in-10 American Military Personnel Are Stationed in This State

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

This US Military Branch Has an Outsized Presence in North Dakota
Sam Stebbins |

This US Military Branch Has an Outsized Presence in North Dakota

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

The US Air Force Has More Troops in This State Than Nearly Anywhere Else
Sam Stebbins |

The US Air Force Has More Troops in This State Than Nearly Anywhere Else

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

More Than 25% of All US Navy Service Members Are Stationed in This State
Sam Stebbins |

More Than 25% of All US Navy Service Members Are Stationed in This State

24/7 Wall St. Insights With more than 2.5 million people on payroll, the Department of Defense is the largest employer…

Top Gaining Stocks

Enphase Energy
ENPH • Vol: 14,212,546
Cisco Systems
CSCO • Vol: 60,738,656
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
JBHT • Vol: 1,707,759
TKO Group Holdings
TKO • Vol: 1,384,196
Take-Two Interactive
TTWO • Vol: 2,804,230

Top Losing Stocks

Coterra Energy
CTRA • Vol: 73,319,495
Biogen
BIIB • Vol: 2,253,215
Jack Henry & Associates
JKHY • Vol: 1,700,076
Qualcomm
QCOM • Vol: 19,844,407
Albemarle
ALB • Vol: 1,511,698