The 10 States Most Likely to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, According to New Data

New data reveals which states have the space, resources, and infrastructure to outlast an undead outbreak.

If a zombie outbreak ever stopped being a Netflix storyline and became an actual problem, some parts of the country would be a whole lot better off than others. A new analysis from CanadaCasino looked at factors like population density, airports, hospitals, military bases, and access to hunting and fishing stores to figure out where Americans would realistically have the best shot at staying alive.

Crowded states with limited resources fall to the bottom of the list, but the flip side is way more interesting. Wide-open land, plentiful supplies, and strong infrastructure give certain states a massive survival advantage.

Here’s how the top contenders stack up.

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma makes the top 10 thanks to a healthy mix of hospitals, airports, and military presence. With just 60 people per square mile, it’s sparse enough that an outbreak would spread more slowly than in more congested areas.

The state also has a solid number of hunting and outdoor stores, which become pretty important when your new hobbies involve “not becoming lunch.” It’s not the ultimate safe haven — but it’s a strong option compared to more crowded states.

9. Mississippi

Mississippi’s combination of low population density and easy access to hunting supplies gives residents a real edge. The state has more than 21 hunting stores per 100,000 people and a decent number of hospitals, which matters when medical care becomes chaotic fast.

With only 63 people per square mile, there’s room to spread out, regroup, and avoid the worst of any initial outbreak. Survival odds here are way better than most of the Southeast.

8. Michigan

Michigan might not be the first place you picture for riding out an apocalypse, but it’s surprisingly well set up. Nearly 42% of the state is water, giving you natural barriers and an instant escape route if things go sideways.

While its population density is higher than the states above it, Michigan’s mix of airports and access to outdoor-supply stores helps tip it into the top tier.

7. Hawaii

Yes, Hawaii is isolated — and that’s exactly the point. Distance alone gives it a massive advantage, creating a buffer from an outbreak spreading inland. With a strong military presence and the highest water percentage of any top-10 state, you get natural protection on all sides.

The challenge? Supplies. But if you can get past that hurdle, Hawaii is one of the hardest places for zombies to reach in the first place.

6. Wyoming

Wyoming’s extremely low population density — just six people per square mile — is practically a survival superpower. Outbreaks move slowly when you don’t have many people to infect.

The state also has a solid spread of hospitals, airports, and hunting stores. It’s quiet, remote, and resource-friendly… basically the opposite of New Jersey.

5. North Dakota

North Dakota strikes a great balance with plenty of hospitals, strong airport access, and a low population density. You also get a decent number of hunting and outdoor shops, which gives residents a leg up in the whole “staying alive” department.

Its mix of medical support and breathing room pushes it comfortably into the top five.

4. Montana

Montana’s wide-open spaces make it one of the safest bets in the Lower 48. With only eight people per square mile and plenty of airports and outdoor-supply stores, it’s built for an apocalypse-friendly lifestyle.

The state’s military presence is small on paper, but the sheer amount of land and access to natural resources help counterbalance that. If you want space, you’ll find it here.

3. South Dakota

South Dakota lands in the top three thanks to its standout hospital availability — seven per 100,000 people, the highest in the country. Medical care becomes scarce fast in any disaster, so this is a huge advantage.

Combine that with relatively low population density, good airport access, and strong outdoor-store availability, and the state becomes a surprisingly sturdy safe zone.

2. Maine

Maine is basically a dream scenario for anyone trying to outlast the undead. Nearly 70 hunting and fishing stores per 100,000 people mean residents have easier access to supplies than anywhere else in the country.

Between its expansive natural resources, coastal advantage, and moderate density, Maine has the perfect mix of isolation and capability. It takes silver — but only because one state is unbeatable.

1. Alaska

No surprise here: Alaska is the strongest place in America to ride out a zombie apocalypse. With just one person per square mile and 78 airports per 100,000 people, the state offers unmatched space, mobility, and escape potential.

Add in a high number of hunting stores, a decent military presence, and ample freshwater, and Alaska takes the top spot with a readiness score of 7.89 out of 10 — far ahead of the rest of the pack.

If you’re curious about the other end of the spectrum, data also shows which states are least prepared to survive a zombie outbreak — and that list is… a whole different story.

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