Statehood Comparison
Geography

Massachusetts vs Pennsylvania: Statehood

Pennsylvania became a state before Massachusetts.

Massachusetts flag
Massachusetts
MA • Northeast
February 6, 1788 (#6)
When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.
Pennsylvania flag
Pennsylvania
PA • Northeast
Winner
December 12, 1787 (#2)
When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.

Visual Comparison

Massachusetts February 6, 1788 (#6)
Pennsylvania December 12, 1787 (#2)

Related Context

Historical Context

The statehood order mirrors westward expansion and regional settlement history.

What This Means

Massachusetts vs Pennsylvania: Statehood in context

Pennsylvania has a statehood of December 12, 1787 (#2), compared with February 6, 1788 (#6) in Massachusetts. When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.

Massachusetts
February 6, 1788 (#6)
Pennsylvania
December 12, 1787 (#2)

People Also Ask

Massachusetts vs Pennsylvania Statehood — Common Questions

Q What is Massachusetts's statehood?

Massachusetts's statehood is February 6, 1788 (#6).

Q What is Pennsylvania's statehood?

Pennsylvania's statehood is December 12, 1787 (#2).

Q Which state has a lower statehood — Massachusetts or Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania became a state before Massachusetts.

Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.