According to a recent study, Mississippi is the fourth most likely state to see a UFO.
A survey was conducted by a group named Jackpot City Casino in March of 2024 which included analysis of UFO sightings, light pollution, those who admit to believing in UFOs, and people who have seen UFOs.
The Magnolia State’s most noteworthy alien encounter was the infamous Pascagoula abduction on October 11, 1973, when two local shipyard workers, Charles Hickson, 42, and Calvin Parker, 18, claimed to have experienced a close encounter of the extraterrestrial kind that would forever change their lives.
Montana is named the US state the most likely to spot a UFO, with 1,011 sightings in the state overall, and 50% of people in Montana admit to believing in UFOs, the most believers of any state
Massachusetts is the most UFO-obsessed state in the US, with 13,750 monthly Google searches related to UFOs
South Dakota is the state that shows the least interest in UFOs, searching only 850 per month
UFO sightings have fascinated the public for decades, sparking debates, speculation, and inspiring some of the greatest sci-fi movies ever created. In 2023, an unclassified report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence revealed that over 50% of unidentified flying objects in the US remain unexplained, suggesting some could indeed be UFOs. But which US state is the most likely to spot one, and where are the strongest believers?
To find out, JPC analyzed a range of metrics, including UFO sightings, light pollution levels, and survey data on UFO encounters across each US state.
Montana is named the US state the most likely to spot a UFO, with 1,011 sightings in the state overall
Montana is the UFO hotspot of the US, with 1,011 reported sightings of flying alien objects. Home to the famous first-documented UFO sighting in 1950, the Mariana incident, Montana has a low light pollution level of 27.08, offering prime conditions for spotting extraterrestrial objects.
In second place, Delaware has reported 420 sightings, roughly one per 1,000 residents, thanks to its clear skies (a light pollution of 31.25). Plus, a staggering 80% of Delawareans admit that they believe in UFOs.
California tops the list with a staggering 16,354 sightings. Despite its high light pollution (57.37), the state’s skies remain a magnet for mysterious objects. About 24% of Californians believe in UFOs, with 7% claiming personal sightings.
