The Most Popular Book Genre in Each State, According to New Study

Turns out, where you live (or grew up) might influence what type of book you love. Researchers at Cloudwards scoured Google Trends data to determine which genres captivate readers most across different states. The findings show an interesting geographical breakdown.

According to the study, romance is the most popular genre in America, topping the list in 22 states! General fiction and poetry tied for second place, dominating in nine states each. Fantasy was strongest in six states, and family-themed literature in three. Interestingly, Massachusetts is the only state to prefer history, while Californians are unique in preferring mystery novels.

To get their results, the researchers reviewed Google searches for common book genres over 12 months. “While search interest doesn’t always directly reflect purchasing behavior,” they acknowledge, “it provides valuable insights into the reading habits of Americans.”

So…did your favorite genre rank highest in your state? See the full results below.

Romance Reigns Supreme in 22 States

Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin

Romance literature has been surging in popularity recently, and these results reflect Americans’ widespread love for the genre. Who doesn’t crave a lighthearted read with a strong emotional payoff? “Romance readers are among the most voracious consumers of books, often reading multiple titles per month,” the study notes. Check out books by Jasmine Guillory, Emily Henry, and Julia Quinn if you’re looking for something new.

Poetry Is an Unexpected Hit in 9 States

Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

The study just looked at what genres people search for, not necessarily what they’re buying, but it’s notable that poetry ranked as a top interest in nine states. The study points out that many of these states are known for striking landscapes, which may have something to do with the preference. The authors added, “This poetry revival might be linked to the rise of Instagram poets and the growing popularity of poetry as a form of social expression.”

Fiction Casts a Wide Net in 8 States and D.C.

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming

It’s a bit of a surprise that this category doesn’t rank higher in more states, given how broad a category it is. The researchers put science fiction, historical fiction, fairy tales, classical literature, action, social realism, and magical realism under this umbrella. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of books to choose from in this category—here are some of our favorite new ones coming out this year.

Fantasy Literature Is Top in 6 States

Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington

The authors note that these states have big technology sectors and major universities. “It suggests that areas with strong innovation sectors have a higher interest in imaginative literature,” they point out. This category includes authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, N.K. Jemisin, and George R.R. Martin.

Family-Themed Literature Ranks High in 3 States

Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina

This genre of fiction explores family ties, multigenerational connections, and heredity. The authors note that these three states are “known for strong community ties and traditional values,” which may partly explain the appeal. Since family is a universal human interest, we imagine that residents of these states aren’t the only ones who are fans of the genre! Check out books by Isabel Allende, Jane Austen, and Carolyn Hyunh for starters.

Mystery Is Big in Just 1 State

California

It’s hard to know why California stands alone in its love for mystery and suspense novels, but the study authors surmise that “the Golden State’s affinity for mysteries may reflect its status as both the home of Hollywood noir and the setting for countless classic detective novels.” Mystery and suspense are certainly beloved by many—in fact, here is a list of some of our favorites in the genre.

History Also Gets Love from Just 1 State

Massachusetts

People from Massachusetts search most for historical literature, which includes biographies and other nonfiction narratives. “This unique preference aligns perfectly with the state’s status as a cornerstone of American history,” the study notes. Smart choice: As fun as it is to escape from the world with fiction, learning about real-life events is just as engaging.