The United States has long favored a policy of military deterrence towards its geopolitical adversaries. Effective deterrence hinges on maintaining a large, well-trained fighting force — and in keeping with this strategy, the Department of Defense ranks as one of the single largest employers in the world. (Here is a look at the size of the American military every year since the Korean War.)
More than 1.1 million active-duty service members are stationed at military bases across the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Including reserve troops, the National Guard, and civilian personnel, nearly 2.6 million Americans are directly employed by the Pentagon.
Using data from the DOD report Defense Spending By State Fiscal Year 2022, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the most military personnel. States are ranked by the number of Defense Department personnel in each state, including civilian workers, the National Guard, reservists, and active-duty service members.
The number of military personnel in each state ranges from just under 4,000 to nearly 273,000. While some of the most populous states in the country — including California, Texas, and Florida — rank highly on this list, the number of military personnel in a given state is often attributable to the presence of one or more major military bases. (This is the county in every state with the most military personnel.)
Virginia, for example, is home to the Norfolk Naval Station, the largest navy base in the world. Partially as a result, the state is home to nearly a quarter of a million Defense Department personnel, the second most of any state, despite not even ranking among the 10 most populous states overall.
While starting salaries for new, low-ranking military enlistees are not especially high — typically below $25,000 a year — in many states, the economic impact of military payroll is considerable. Military payroll totaled $159.4 billion in fiscal 2022, accounting for over 20% of the defense budget and nearly 29% of the DOD’s total domestic expenditures.
These are the states with the most military personnel.
50. Vermont
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 3,802 (3.1% active-duty; 82.2% National Guard/reserve; 14.7% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 2,353 personnel (64.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $170.9 million (31.0% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 647,064 (2nd smallest of 50 states)
49. New Hampshire
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 6,010 (17.7% active-duty; 65.7% National Guard/reserve; 16.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 2,915 personnel (49.7% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $291.5 million (17.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,395,231 (10th smallest of 50 states)
48. Wyoming
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 7,171 (43.8% active-duty; 41.0% National Guard/reserve; 15.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 5,095 personnel (71.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Francis E Warren AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $348.9 million (56.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 581,381 (the smallest of 50 states)
47. Montana
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 8,708 (37.3% active-duty; 46.4% National Guard/reserve; 16.4% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 4,771 personnel (56.1% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Malmstrom AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $416.2 million (62.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,122,867 (8th smallest of 50 states)
46. South Dakota
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 9,325 (36.3% active-duty; 48.5% National Guard/reserve; 15.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 5,067 personnel (55.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Ellsworth AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $400.6 million (37.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 909,824 (5th smallest of 50 states)
45. West Virginia
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 9,627 (1.1% active-duty; 78.5% National Guard/reserve; 20.4% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 6,839 personnel (72.7% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $364.6 million (60.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,775,156 (12th smallest of 50 states)
44. Delaware
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 9,816 (35.2% active-duty; 50.0% National Guard/reserve; 14.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 6,792 personnel (70.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Dover AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $456.2 million (61.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,018,396 (6th smallest of 50 states)
43. Idaho
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 10,354 (33.9% active-duty; 50.7% National Guard/reserve; 15.5% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 5,232 personnel (52.1% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Mountain Home AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $487.7 million (62.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,939,033 (13th smallest of 50 states)
42. Oregon
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 12,126 (4.5% active-duty; 71.6% National Guard/reserve; 23.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 7,989 personnel (67.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $556.9 million (47.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 4,240,137 (24th smallest of 50 states)
41. Maine
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 12,480 (2.3% active-duty; 26.9% National Guard/reserve; 70.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 7,674 personnel (62.7% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $856.1 million (23.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,385,340 (9th smallest of 50 states)
40. Iowa
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 12,814 (1.7% active-duty; 85.2% National Guard/reserve; 13.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 9,886 personnel (79.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $379.1 million (17.0% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 3,200,517 (20th smallest of 50 states)
39. Rhode Island
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 12,992 (25.8% active-duty; 33.3% National Guard/reserve; 40.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 8,411 personnel (65.7% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Naval Station Newport (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $916.0 million (55.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,093,734 (7th smallest of 50 states)
38. North Dakota
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 13,490 (53.6% active-duty; 33.1% National Guard/reserve; 13.3% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 9,422 personnel (70.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Minot AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $693.2 million (75.3% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 779,261 (4th smallest of 50 states)
37. Connecticut
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 14,785 (37.5% active-duty; 44.6% National Guard/reserve; 18.0% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 7,080 personnel (48.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: New London NAVSUBBASE (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $819.9 million (3.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 3,626,205 (22nd smallest of 50 states)
36. Nebraska
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 16,558 (39.2% active-duty; 35.9% National Guard/reserve; 25.0% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 9,723 personnel (59.3% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Offutt AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $998.8 million (58.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,967,923 (14th smallest of 50 states)
35. Wisconsin
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 16,599 (4.2% active-duty; 79.1% National Guard/reserve; 16.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 12,482 personnel (76.9% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort McCoy (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $586.6 million (17.1% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 5,892,539 (20th largest of 50 states)
34. Arkansas
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 17,997 (20.7% active-duty; 59.5% National Guard/reserve; 19.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 10,505 personnel (59.3% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Little Rock AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $758.5 million (65.0% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 3,045,637 (18th smallest of 50 states)
33. Minnesota
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 20,499 (2.2% active-duty; 84.7% National Guard/reserve; 13.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 14,609 personnel (72.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: N/A
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $658.9 million (33.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 5,717,184 (22nd largest of 50 states)
32. Massachusetts
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 22,076 (8.9% active-duty; 60.8% National Guard/reserve; 30.3% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 10,941 personnel (50.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Hanscom AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.2 billion (7.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 6,981,974 (16th largest of 50 states)
31. Nevada
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 23,086 (53.0% active-duty; 34.4% National Guard/reserve; 12.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 14,862 personnel (64.9% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Nellis AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.4 billion (45.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 3,177,772 (19th smallest of 50 states)
30. New Mexico
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 24,575 (53.9% active-duty; 19.1% National Guard/reserve; 27.0% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 17,648 personnel (71.9% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Cannon AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.5 billion (33.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 2,113,344 (15th smallest of 50 states)
29. Michigan
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 25,032 (3.4% active-duty; 57.6% National Guard/reserve; 39.0% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 18,106 personnel (73.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Detroit Arsenal (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.4 billion (18.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 10,034,118 (10th largest of 50 states)
28. Tennessee
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 26,134 (8.5% active-duty; 66.1% National Guard/reserve; 25.4% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 15,235 personnel (59.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.1 billion (37.1% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 7,051,339 (15th largest of 50 states)
27. Alaska
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 28,452 (65.0% active-duty; 16.0% National Guard/reserve; 19.0% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 13,669 personnel (48.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Wainwright (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.9 billion (48.2% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 733,583 (3rd smallest of 50 states)
26. Indiana
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 29,952 (3.4% active-duty; 56.7% National Guard/reserve; 39.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 15,418 personnel (52.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Naval Support Activity Crane (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.5 billion (17.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 6,833,037 (17th largest of 50 states)
25. Utah
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 31,843 (14.1% active-duty; 35.8% National Guard/reserve; 50.2% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 19,051 personnel (60.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Hill AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.9 billion (31.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 3,380,800 (21st smallest of 50 states)
24. New Jersey
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 33,430 (18.5% active-duty; 49.8% National Guard/reserve; 31.7% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 15,928 personnel (48.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (Multiple service branches)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $2.0 billion (21.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 9,261,699 (11th largest of 50 states)
23. Mississippi
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 34,747 (30.8% active-duty; 41.1% National Guard/reserve; 28.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 13,960 personnel (40.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Keesler AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.7 billion (30.1% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 2,940,057 (17th smallest of 50 states)
22. Louisiana
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 36,419 (37.8% active-duty; 44.5% National Guard/reserve; 17.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 22,079 personnel (61.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Johnson (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.8 billion (54.2% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 4,590,241 (25th largest of 50 states)
21. Kansas
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 37,263 (55.0% active-duty; 26.5% National Guard/reserve; 18.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 28,425 personnel (77.0% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Riley (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $2.1 billion (57.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 2,937,150 (16th smallest of 50 states)
20. Missouri
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 39,952 (35.5% active-duty; 44.7% National Guard/reserve; 19.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 26,574 personnel (67.3% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Leonard Wood (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $1.6 billion (18.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 6,177,957 (18th largest of 50 states)
19. Arizona
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 41,502 (42.1% active-duty; 35.7% National Guard/reserve; 22.2% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 18,497 personnel (45.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Davis-Monthan AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $2.3 billion (15.0% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 7,359,197 (14th largest of 50 states)
18. Alabama
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 49,895 (14.5% active-duty; 37.2% National Guard/reserve; 48.3% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 35,366 personnel (71.4% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Novosel (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.5 billion (24.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 5,074,296 (24th largest of 50 states)
17. Pennsylvania
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 54,181 (4.0% active-duty; 49.2% National Guard/reserve; 46.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 28,549 personnel (53.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Carlisle Barracks (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.1 billion (17.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 12,972,008 (5th largest of 50 states)
16. Kentucky
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 56,290 (61.2% active-duty; 21.2% National Guard/reserve; 17.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 52,091 personnel (93.1% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Campbell (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.3 billion (23.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 4,512,310 (25th smallest of 50 states)
15. New York
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 57,965 (31.7% active-duty; 48.1% National Guard/reserve; 20.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 40,391 personnel (70.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Drum (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $2.9 billion (10.3% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 19,677,151 (4th largest of 50 states)
14. Illinois
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 58,423 (38.6% active-duty; 39.9% National Guard/reserve; 21.5% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 23,945 personnel (41.4% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Naval Station Great Lakes (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $2.4 billion (23.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 12,582,032 (6th largest of 50 states)
13. Oklahoma
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 59,376 (35.5% active-duty; 21.6% National Guard/reserve; 42.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 28,504 personnel (48.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Sill (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.4 billion (48.5% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 4,019,800 (23rd smallest of 50 states)
12. Ohio
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 59,470 (10.6% active-duty; 43.5% National Guard/reserve; 45.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Air Force; 28,886 personnel (49.1% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Wright-Patterson AFB (Air Force)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.6 billion (40.1% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 11,756,058 (7th largest of 50 states)
11. Colorado
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 59,917 (57.4% active-duty; 23.0% National Guard/reserve; 19.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 36,836 personnel (58.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Carson (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.9 billion (30.2% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 5,839,926 (21st largest of 50 states)
10. South Carolina
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 65,493 (56.8% active-duty; 26.3% National Guard/reserve; 16.9% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 26,090 personnel (40.2% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Jackson (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $3.0 billion (48.0% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 5,282,634 (23rd largest of 50 states)
9. Hawaii
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 68,754 (57.0% active-duty; 13.7% National Guard/reserve; 29.4% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 31,169 personnel (45.6% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Schofield Barracks (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $5.3 billion (60.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 1,440,196 (11th smallest of 50 states)
8. Maryland
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 93,930 (30.4% active-duty; 19.2% National Guard/reserve; 50.3% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 33,918 personnel (36.4% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort George G. Meade (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $8.4 billion (31.6% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 6,164,660 (19th largest of 50 states)
7. Washington
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 108,542 (55.8% active-duty; 15.4% National Guard/reserve; 28.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 48,602 personnel (45.0% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Multiple service branches)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $7.4 billion (50.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 7,785,786 (13th largest of 50 states)
6. Georgia
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 124,079 (51.1% active-duty; 21.3% National Guard/reserve; 27.6% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 73,768 personnel (59.8% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Moore (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $7.2 billion (53.8% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 10,912,876 (8th largest of 50 states)
5. Florida
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 132,265 (46.8% active-duty; 27.7% National Guard/reserve; 25.5% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 52,815 personnel (40.1% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Mayport NAVSTA (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $8.5 billion (28.1% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 22,244,823 (3rd largest of 50 states)
4. North Carolina
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 137,146 (68.9% active-duty; 14.7% National Guard/reserve; 16.4% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 68,330 personnel (50.0% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Liberty (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $7.6 billion (56.3% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 10,698,973 (9th largest of 50 states)
3. Texas
- Military personnel in state, 2022: 214,865 (52.3% active-duty; 25.5% National Guard/reserve; 22.3% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Army; 122,524 personnel (57.3% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Fort Cavazos (Army)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $12.1 billion (20.9% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 30,029,572 (2nd largest of 50 states)
2. Virginia
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 247,314 (50.2% active-duty; 10.0% National Guard/reserve; 39.8% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 145,047 personnel (58.8% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Norfolk Naval Base (Navy)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $20.3 billion (32.4% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 8,683,619 (12th largest of 50 states)
1. California
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- Military personnel in state, 2022: 272,971 (57.6% active-duty; 19.3% National Guard/reserve; 23.1% civilian)
- Largest service branch in state, 2022: Navy/Marines; 181,395 personnel (66.5% of all military personnel in state)
- Major military installation in state: Camp Pendleton (Marine Corps)
- DOD military payroll expenditure, 2022: $17.2 billion (30.7% of all military spending in state)
- Total state population, 2022: 39,029,342 (the largest of 50 states)
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