In terms of population, how does North Dakota rank among U.S. states?

North Dakota is consistently ranked among the least populous states in the United States. Its population density is quite low compared to many other states, attributed to its vast rural areas, agricultural land, and limited urban centers. For much of its recent history, North Dakota has had a population under one million, making it one of the sparsely inhabited states, alongside others like Vermont and Wyoming.

The state's demographic trends have shown fluctuations due to factors like the oil boom, which temporarily increased its population, but overall, it remains a state with a small population relative to its geographical size. This context clarifies its standing and solidifies the notion that North Dakota is not in the upper echelons of state populations in the U.S.