With zombie thrillers like ‘The Last of Us' returning for a second season and '28 Years Later' hitting cinemas this summer, the undead are back in pop culture—and now, a new study asks a chilling question: how ready is your state for a real-life zombie apocalypse?
According to research from entertainment specialists at CanadaCasino, Alaska takes the top spot as the most apocalypse-ready state in the U.S. The ranking was based on factors like population density, access to clean water, hospitals, airports, hunting supply stores, and military bases—essentials for surviving a nationwide outbreak.
Alaska's combination of isolation and resources makes it a standout. With only one person per square mile, the state minimizes the risk of viral spread. It also boasts 78 airports per 100,000 residents, offering strategic access for evacuations and supply drops. Add in a significant military presence and over 14 percent of the state covered in freshwater, and Alaska earned a survival score of 7.89 out of 10.
Maine and South Dakota round out the top three, thanks in part to high access to hunting supply stores and lower population density. Maine, in particular, stands out for its 70 hunting stores per 100,000 people, giving residents the tools to fight back if necessary.
At the other end of the spectrum, densely populated states like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania rank among the least prepared. Limited open space, fewer survival-focused resources, and high population density make them more vulnerable in a worst-case scenario.
Here’s a look at the top five most apocalypse-ready states:
- Alaska
- Maine
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
- Montana
And the five least ready:
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
So if the undead start rising, heading north—and preferably somewhere cold, spacious, and well-armed—might not be such a bad idea.
