Special Report

States Where the Virus Is Growing the Fastest Right Now

Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty Images News via Getty Images

The spread of the novel coronavirus appears to be slowing in the United States. Over the last week — from May 12th through May 18th — there were an average of about 6.8 new cases per day nationwide for every 100,000 people, a 16% decline from the previous week. 

The improvement, while encouraging, also serves as a reminder of the continuing threat the virus poses — although the rate of infection may be slowing across much of the country, tens of thousands of Americans continue to be infected every day. In some states, the daily rate of new infections is far higher than in others. 

To determine the states where the number of confirmed cases per capita is growing the fastest right now, 24/7 Wall St. compiled and reviewed the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths for the seven days through May 18 from state and local health departments. We calculated the average number of new cases per day between May 12 and May 18 in each state for every 100,000 people.

Many of the states where the virus is spreading the fastest are among the states that have been the hardest hit since the beginning of the pandemic. There are eight states where the daily infection rate over the last week is more than double the national figure — and each of them ranks among the 10 states with the highest overall infection rate. Most of these states are densely-populated places in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Here is a full list of the states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases

The declining daily infection rate in the United States is due in large part to restrictions put in place by state and local governments. While many states have lifted strict stay-at-home orders, social distancing laws and guidelines remain in much of the country. Here are every state’s rules for staying at home and social distancing

Click here to see the states where the virus is growing the fastest right now

zstockphotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

50. Hawaii
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 0.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: None
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 45.1 per 100,000 people — 2nd fewest (total: 640)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,968.3 per 100,000 people — 21st fewest (total: 42,164)
> Population: 1.4 million (129.9 people per sq. mile — 20th most)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Hawaii

[in-text-ad]

Photo by William Campbell / Getty Images News via Getty Images

49. Montana
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 0.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: None
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 44.2 per 100,000 people — the fewest (total: 470)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,651.5 per 100,000 people — 12th fewest (total: 28,167)
> Population: 1.1 million (7.2 people per sq. mile — 3rd fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 13, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Montana

48. Alaska
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 0.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 2)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: None
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 54.1 per 100,000 people — 3rd fewest (total: 399)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,829.0 per 100,000 people — 11th most (total: 35,611)
> Population: 737,438 (1.1 people per sq. mile — the fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 12, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Alaska

47. Vermont
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 0.4 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 2)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 1
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 150.1 per 100,000 people — 10th fewest (total: 940)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,804.1 per 100,000 people — 17th most (total: 23,825)
> Population: 626,299 (65.1 people per sq. mile — 21st fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 7, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Vermont

[in-text-ad-2]

46. West Virginia
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 1.0 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 18)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 7
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 82.6 per 100,000 people — 4th fewest (total: 1,491)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,210.5 per 100,000 people — 15th most (total: 76,035)
> Population: 1.8 million (74.5 people per sq. mile — 22nd fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 17, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in West Virginia

45. Idaho
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 1.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 23)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 4
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 137.9 per 100,000 people — 9th fewest (total: 2,419)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,078.2 per 100,000 people — the fewest (total: 36,456)
> Population: 1.8 million (21.0 people per sq. mile — 7th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 13, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Idaho

[in-text-ad]

44. Oregon
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 1.6 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 67)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 7
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 88.0 per 100,000 people — 5th fewest (total: 3,687)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,320.2 per 100,000 people — 6th fewest (total: 97,232)
> Population: 4.2 million (42.6 people per sq. mile — 13th fewest)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 28, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Oregon

Jamie Squire / Getty Images News via Getty Images

43. Missouri
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 2.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 144)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 70
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 178.7 per 100,000 people — 15th fewest (total: 10,945)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,515.5 per 100,000 people — 8th fewest (total: 154,110)
> Population: 6.1 million (87.9 people per sq. mile — 23rd fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 7, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Missouri

42. Oklahoma
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 2.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 100)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 10
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 134.7 per 100,000 people — 8th fewest (total: 5,310)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,557.2 per 100,000 people — 21st most (total: 140,262)
> Population: 3.9 million (56.4 people per sq. mile — 16th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Oklahoma

[in-text-ad-2]

navymedicine / Flickr

41. Maine
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 2.7 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 37)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 5
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 128.0 per 100,000 people — 7th fewest (total: 1,713)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,596.2 per 100,000 people — 11th fewest (total: 34,748)
> Population: 1.3 million (37.8 people per sq. mile — 12th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 12, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Maine

Sean Rayford / Getty Images News via Getty Images

40. South Carolina
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 157)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 30
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 175.9 per 100,000 people — 13th fewest (total: 8,942)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,587.6 per 100,000 people — 10th fewest (total: 131,559)
> Population: 5.1 million (158.8 people per sq. mile — 18th most)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in South Carolina

[in-text-ad]

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images News via Getty Images

39. Florida
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 683)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 194
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 218.0 per 100,000 people — 19th fewest (total: 46,442)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,181.8 per 100,000 people — 23rd fewest (total: 677,710)
> Population: 21.3 million (323.9 people per sq. mile — 8th most)
> First confirmed case: March 1, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Florida

John Moore / Getty Images News via Getty Images

38. Washington
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 243)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 38
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 244.6 per 100,000 people — 24th fewest (total: 18,433)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,785.3 per 100,000 people — 18th most (total: 285,243)
> Population: 7.5 million (105.7 people per sq. mile — 23rd most)
> First confirmed case: Jan. 21, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Washington

37. Wyoming
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.4 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 19)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 1
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 98.0 per 100,000 people — 6th fewest (total: 566)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,807.3 per 100,000 people — 18th fewest (total: 16,219)
> Population: 577,737 (5.9 people per sq. mile — 2nd fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Wyoming

[in-text-ad-2]

arkansasnationalguard / Flickr

36. Arkansas
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.4 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 104)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 3
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 159.7 per 100,000 people — 11th fewest (total: 4,813)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,907.1 per 100,000 people — 20th fewest (total: 87,614)
> Population: 3.0 million (56.7 people per sq. mile — 17th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Arkansas

Ethan Miller / Getty Images News via Getty Images

35. Nevada
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.6 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 109)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 35
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 229.1 per 100,000 people — 22nd fewest (total: 6,952)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,660.6 per 100,000 people — 14th fewest (total: 80,732)
> Population: 3.0 million (27.4 people per sq. mile — 9th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 5, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Nevada

[in-text-ad]

Andy Lyons / Getty Images News via Getty Images

34. Kentucky
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 3.7 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 167)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 13
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 177.6 per 100,000 people — 14th fewest (total: 7,935)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,250.3 per 100,000 people — 25th fewest (total: 145,238)
> Population: 4.5 million (110.6 people per sq. mile — 21st most)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Kentucky

Sergio Flores / Getty Images News via Getty Images

33. Texas
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 4.0 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1,144)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 203
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 169.7 per 100,000 people — 12th fewest (total: 48,693)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,519.0 per 100,000 people — 9th fewest (total: 723,013)
> Population: 28.7 million (106.9 people per sq. mile — 22nd most)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 12, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Texas

Michael Heiman / Getty Images News via Getty Images

32. California
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 4.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1,649)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 459
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 199.3 per 100,000 people — 18th fewest (total: 78,839)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,122.7 per 100,000 people — 22nd fewest (total: 1.2 million)
> Population: 39.6 million (241.7 people per sq. mile — 11th most)
> First confirmed case: Jan. 25, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in California

[in-text-ad-2]

31. Utah
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 4.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 143)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 7
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 229.0 per 100,000 people — 21st fewest (total: 7,238)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 5,401.7 per 100,000 people — 8th most (total: 170,752)
> Population: 3.2 million (37.2 people per sq. mile — 11th fewest)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 25, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Utah

30. North Carolina
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 4.7 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 487)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 82
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 183.2 per 100,000 people — 16th fewest (total: 19,023)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,463.1 per 100,000 people — 7th fewest (total: 255,755)
> Population: 10.4 million (192.9 people per sq. mile — 14th most)
> First confirmed case: March 3, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in North Carolina

[in-text-ad]

29. Ohio
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 4.9 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 569)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 189
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 243.4 per 100,000 people — 23rd fewest (total: 28,454)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,310.1 per 100,000 people — 5th fewest (total: 270,041)
> Population: 11.7 million (260.8 people per sq. mile — 10th most)
> First confirmed case: March 9, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Ohio

28. Arizona
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 371)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 117
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 194.3 per 100,000 people — 17th fewest (total: 13,937)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,830.7 per 100,000 people — 19th fewest (total: 203,006)
> Population: 7.2 million (62.9 people per sq. mile — 19th fewest)
> First confirmed case: Jan. 26, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Arizona

Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images

27. Wisconsin
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 307)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 35
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 218.2 per 100,000 people — 20th fewest (total: 12,687)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,703.8 per 100,000 people — 15th fewest (total: 157,189)
> Population: 5.8 million (88.8 people per sq. mile — 24th fewest)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 5, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Wisconsin

[in-text-ad-2]

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images News via Getty Images

26. Michigan
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 546)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 217
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 519.4 per 100,000 people — 11th most (total: 51,915)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,251.7 per 100,000 people — 14th most (total: 424,998)
> Population: 10.0 million (103.4 people per sq. mile — 24th most)
> First confirmed case: March 10, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Michigan

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images News via Getty Images

25. Tennessee
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 371)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 33
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 266.0 per 100,000 people — 24th most (total: 18,011)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,984.2 per 100,000 people — 9th most (total: 337,428)
> Population: 6.8 million (160.6 people per sq. mile — 17th most)
> First confirmed case: March 5, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Tennessee

[in-text-ad]

bodnarchuk / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

24. New Hampshire
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 74)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 39
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 269.2 per 100,000 people — 23rd most (total: 3,652)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,647.3 per 100,000 people — 19th most (total: 49,474)
> Population: 1.4 million (145.1 people per sq. mile — 19th most)
> First confirmed case: March 2, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in New Hampshire

23. Alabama
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 5.7 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 280)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 53
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 247.3 per 100,000 people — 25th fewest (total: 12,086)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,198.7 per 100,000 people — 24th fewest (total: 156,350)
> Population: 4.9 million (93.2 people per sq. mile — 25th most)
> First confirmed case: March 13, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Alabama

Jessica McGowan / Getty Images News via Getty Images

22. Georgia
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 6.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 644)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 108
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 364.0 per 100,000 people — 18th most (total: 38,287)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,463.0 per 100,000 people — 22nd most (total: 364,289)
> Population: 10.5 million (177.0 people per sq. mile — 16th most)
> First confirmed case: March 2, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Georgia

[in-text-ad-2]

Michael Ciaglo / Getty Images News via Getty Images

21. Colorado
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 6.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 350)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 206
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 389.8 per 100,000 people — 16th most (total: 22,202)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,267.7 per 100,000 people — 2nd fewest (total: 129,159)
> Population: 5.7 million (54.7 people per sq. mile — 14th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 5, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Colorado

Jamie Squire / Getty Images News via Getty Images

20. Kansas
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 6.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 179)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 14
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 286.4 per 100,000 people — 22nd most (total: 8,340)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,300.9 per 100,000 people — 4th fewest (total: 66,990)
> Population: 2.9 million (35.4 people per sq. mile — 10th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 7, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Kansas

[in-text-ad]

19. North Dakota
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 6.7 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 51)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 5
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 254.1 per 100,000 people — 25th most (total: 1,931)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 7,441.5 per 100,000 people — 2nd most (total: 56,561)
> Population: 760,077 (10.8 people per sq. mile — 4th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in North Dakota

18. New Mexico
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 7.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 149)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 46
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 290.9 per 100,000 people — 21st most (total: 6,096)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 6,567.6 per 100,000 people — 5th most (total: 137,620)
> Population: 2.1 million (17.2 people per sq. mile — 6th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in New Mexico

Mark Makela / Getty Images News via Getty Images

17. Pennsylvania
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 7.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 915)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 612
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 492.4 per 100,000 people — 12th most (total: 63,056)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,659.5 per 100,000 people — 13th fewest (total: 340,609)
> Population: 12.8 million (278.1 people per sq. mile — 9th most)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Pennsylvania

[in-text-ad-2]

Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images

16. Indiana
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 7.8 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 522)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 163
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 422.2 per 100,000 people — 15th most (total: 28,255)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,748.3 per 100,000 people — 16th fewest (total: 183,912)
> Population: 6.7 million (183.7 people per sq. mile — 15th most)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Indiana

Chris Graythen / Getty Images News via Getty Images

15. Louisiana
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 8.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 379)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 144
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 744.8 per 100,000 people — 8th most (total: 34,709)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 5,788.6 per 100,000 people — 6th most (total: 269,748)
> Population: 4.7 million (89.0 people per sq. mile — 25th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 9, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Louisiana

[in-text-ad]

14. Mississippi
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 8.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 248)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 64
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 382.8 per 100,000 people — 17th most (total: 11,432)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,876.3 per 100,000 people — 16th most (total: 115,767)
> Population: 3.0 million (61.7 people per sq. mile — 18th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Mississippi

Drew Angerer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

13. Virginia
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 9.9 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 842)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 145
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 347.4 per 100,000 people — 19th most (total: 29,591)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,285.6 per 100,000 people — 3rd fewest (total: 194,677)
> Population: 8.5 million (199.1 people per sq. mile — 13th most)
> First confirmed case: March 7, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Virginia

Jeenah Moon / Getty Images News via Getty Images

12. New York
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 11.0 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 2,156)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 633
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 1,791.6 per 100,000 people — the most (total: 350,121)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 7,232.5 per 100,000 people — 3rd most (total: 1.4 million)
> Population: 19.5 million (358.2 people per sq. mile — 7th most)
> First confirmed case: March 1, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in New York

[in-text-ad-2]

11. Minnesota
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 11.0 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 619)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 108
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 291.8 per 100,000 people — 20th most (total: 16,372)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 2,791.0 per 100,000 people — 17th fewest (total: 156,606)
> Population: 5.6 million (64.5 people per sq. mile — 20th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 6, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Minnesota

10. Iowa
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 12.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 384)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 62
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 473.8 per 100,000 people — 13th most (total: 14,955)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,268.2 per 100,000 people — 25th most (total: 103,148)
> Population: 3.2 million (56.1 people per sq. mile — 15th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 8, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Iowa

[in-text-ad]

Jim Steffens / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

9. South Dakota
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 12.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 109)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 5
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 456.5 per 100,000 people — 14th most (total: 4,027)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,292.2 per 100,000 people — 24th most (total: 29,045)
> Population: 882,235 (11.4 people per sq. mile — 5th fewest)
> First confirmed case: March 10, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in South Dakota

Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty Images News via Getty Images

8. New Jersey
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 14.0 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1,250)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 848
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 1,661.8 per 100,000 people — 2nd most (total: 148,039)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 5,675.1 per 100,000 people — 7th most (total: 505,569)
> Population: 8.9 million (1,021.3 people per sq. mile — the most)
> First confirmed case: March 4, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in New Jersey

7. Nebraska
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 15.2 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 293)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 20
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 550.7 per 100,000 people — 10th most (total: 10,625)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,635.9 per 100,000 people — 20th most (total: 70,147)
> Population: 1.9 million (24.9 people per sq. mile — 8th fewest)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 17, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Nebraska

[in-text-ad-2]

John Moore / Getty Images News via Getty Images

6. Connecticut
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 15.3 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 548)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 367
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 1,066.9 per 100,000 people — 5th most (total: 38,116)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,973.3 per 100,000 people — 10th most (total: 177,679)
> Population: 3.6 million (644.5 people per sq. mile — 4th most)
> First confirmed case: March 8, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Connecticut

Win McNamee / Getty Images News via Getty Images

5. Maryland
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 15.4 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 932)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 349
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 658.0 per 100,000 people — 9th most (total: 39,762)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 3,425.5 per 100,000 people — 23rd most (total: 206,994)
> Population: 6.0 million (487.1 people per sq. mile — 5th most)
> First confirmed case: March 5, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Maryland

[in-text-ad]

4. Massachusetts
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 17.5 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 1,206)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 656
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 1,261.2 per 100,000 people — 3rd most (total: 87,052)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 6,797.9 per 100,000 people — 4th most (total: 469,199)
> Population: 6.9 million (654.0 people per sq. mile — 3rd most)
> First confirmed case: Feb. 1, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Massachusetts

3. Delaware
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 18.8 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 181)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 53
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 813.6 per 100,000 people — 6th most (total: 7,869)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,389.9 per 100,000 people — 13th most (total: 42,458)
> Population: 967,171 (388.6 people per sq. mile — 6th most)
> First confirmed case: March 11, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Delaware

Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images

2. Illinois
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 18.8 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 2,398)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 576
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 757.3 per 100,000 people — 7th most (total: 96,485)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 4,734.6 per 100,000 people — 12th most (total: 603,241)
> Population: 12.7 million (220.0 people per sq. mile — 12th most)
> First confirmed case: Jan. 24, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Illinois

[in-text-ad-2]

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

1. Rhode Island
> Avg. new cases per day from May 12 – May 18: 20.1 per 100,000 people (total avg. new daily cases: 213)
> COVID-19 related deaths from May 12 – May 18: 55
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 18: 1,210.1 per 100,000 people — 4th most (total: 12,795)
> Tests completed as of May 18: 10,912.9 per 100,000 people — the most (total: 115,384)
> Population: 1.1 million (684.3 people per sq. mile — 2nd most)
> First confirmed case: March 1, 2020

See all stories featuring: Coronavirus in Rhode Island

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.