Before we get to the smallest state capital in the entire United States, let's get the biggest out of the way. There's a state capital that has more folks than the entire state of South Dakota! And no, it's not New York City (not a capital) or Los Angeles (again, not a capital) or Chicago (not one, either). It's...


The largest capital city in the U.S., Phoenix has over 1.6 million people.

One of the things I've loved about South Dakota for the over 40 years I've lived here is the smallness, the ruralness (is that a word? Well, it is now), the 'everyone almost knows everyone' aspect of the Sunshine state. So it would come as no surprise if Pierre were the smallest state capital.

But it isn't.

With something over 14,000 residents or so, Pierre is, in fact, almost double the size of the smallest. So where is the smallest state capital in the entire country? Make your guess and lets count down the 5 smallest.

At Number Five is our neighbor to the west/northwest, Helena, Montana with around 30,000 people.

At Number Four is Frankfort, Kentucky with 27,000 plus.

The city holding down the Number Three spot of smallest capital cities is Augusta, Maine with between 18,000 and 19,000 people.

At Number Two is...Bingo!...our very own favorite, Pierre, with a little over 14,000 of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.

So now we come to it, to the smallest state capital in the country. Head East young man! We're heading to Vermont.

Montpelier, Vermont is shy of 8,000 people and holds the distinction of being the smallest state capital city in the United States. Contributed To This Article