A new study by Heepsy identified the top ten most Instagrammable small cities in the US by analyzing 50 cities with populations under 300,000. Population data were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, and geographic area data were obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Map. Instagram hashtag counts were collected using the Instagram application, with data up to August 2024.
The cities were ranked based on the density of Instagram posts per square mile, calculated by dividing the total number of hashtags by the city’s geographic area, ensuring that the most visually appealing and popular cities on social media were highlighted.
| City | State | State Abbreviation | Population | Area (Square Miles) | Instagram Hashtag | Hashtag / Area |
| Sonoma | California | CA | 11,000 | 2.74 | 1,452,173 | 529,990 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | California | CA | 3,200 | 1.06 | 524,296 | 494,619 |
| Moab | Utah | UT | 5,400 | 4.1 | 1,535,989 | 374,631 |
| Cannon Beach | Oregon | OR | 1,500 | 1.53 | 562,809 | 367,849 |
| Telluride | Colorado | CO | 2,600 | 2.15 | 726,517 | 337,915 |
| Cape May | New Jersey | NJ | 2,800 | 2.78 | 771,880 | 277,655 |
| Newport | Rhode Island | RI | 25,000 | 11.39 | 2,947,826 | 258,808 |
| Rehoboth Beach | Delaware | DE | 1,100 | 1.6 | 363,509 | 227,193 |
| Destin | Florida | FL | 14,000 | 8.2 | 1,742,087 | 212,450 |
| Breckenridge | Colorado | CO | 5,100 | 5.81 | 1,001,847 | 172,435 |
Sonoma, California, leads the list with an impressive 529,990 hashtags per square mile despite having a moderate population of 11,000 and an area of 2.74 square miles. This city outperforms others by a significant margin, with a total of 1,452,173 Instagram hashtags, highlighting its high visibility and popularity on social media relative to its size.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the second Californian city, ranking close behind Sonoma with 494,619 hashtags per square mile. Despite being more than twice as small as Sonoma, with a 1.06-square-mile area, Carmel’s density of Instagram posts shows its visual appeal and draws significant attention relative to its tiny footprint.
Moab, Utah, ranks third with 374,631 hashtags per square mile. With a larger area of 4.1 square miles and a population of 5,400, Moab’s total of 1,535,989 Instagram hashtags places it ahead of many cities in absolute numbers. However, its hashtag density is less concentrated.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, ranks fourth with 367,849 hashtags per square mile. With a population of 1,500 and an area of 1.53 square miles, the city has a total of 562,809 Instagram hashtags, making it one of the most Instagrammed small cities in the study.
Telluride, Colorado, with a population of 2,600 and an area of 2.15 square miles, ranks fifth with 337,915 hashtags per square mile. The city has a total of 726,517 Instagram hashtags, reflecting its strong presence on social media.
Cape May, New Jersey, ranks sixth with 277,655 hashtags per square mile and is slightly larger than Telluride in both population and area, at 2,800 people and 2.78 square miles. Although it has fewer total hashtags (771,880) than Moab, its smaller area allows it to maintain a competitive position in terms of hashtag density.
Newport, Rhode Island, is the most populous and expansive city in this study, with 25,000 residents and an area of 11.39 square miles, and ranks seventh with 258,808 hashtags per square mile. Despite its size, Newport’s hashtag density is lower than that of the smaller cities, but its total count of 2,947,826 hashtags is the highest, showing its widespread popularity.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, ranks eighth with 227,193 hashtags per square mile. It shares similarities with Cannon Beach in terms of size, having a slightly larger area of 1.6 square miles but a much smaller total of 363,509 Instagram hashtags. Its hashtag density reflects a strong social media presence relative to its small size and population of 1,100.
Destin, Florida, ranks ninth with 212,450 hashtags per square mile. While larger in size than many cities in the top ten, with a population of 14,000 and an area of 8.2 square miles, Destin’s hashtag density is lower. On the other hand, it still has a substantial total of 1,742,087 Instagram hashtags, the second-highest number on the list.
Breckenridge, Colorado, rounds out the top ten with 172,435 hashtags per square mile. With a population of 5,100 and an area of 5.81 square miles, it has fewer hashtags both in total (1,001,847) and per square mile compared to cities like Destin and Moab. Yet, it still maintains a significant presence on social media, highlighting its niche appeal.
A spokesperson from Heepsy commented on the study: “Smaller cities with compact areas and distinct visual appeal tend to have higher hashtag densities, indicating a strong presence on social media. Interestingly, while some larger cities generate a significant total number of Instagram hashtags, their hashtag density is often lower due to their expansive size. This suggests that the most Instagrammable cities are those that offer concentrated, photogenic experiences, making them particularly attractive to social media users. Cities aiming to increase their Instagram visibility might benefit from enhancing and promoting visually distinct spots within more concentrated areas.”
To access the full research, please follow the link.
