When it comes to serial killers, America is arguably the world leader. With more than 2,000 serial killers in the United States since the 1800s, it’s no surprise that certain states have been home to more of these notorious criminals than others. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), California has the most serial killers in the country, followed by Texas and then Florida. In the past two decades, the state of California has had more serial killers than any other state in the union.

California: Home to the Most Serial Killers

California has a long history with serial killers, from the infamous “Night Stalker” Richard Ramirez to the notorious “Hillside Strangler” Angelo Buono. Since the 1800s, California has had more than 200 serial killers, including some of the most famous in history, such as the “Zodiac Killer” and the “Night Stalker.” California’s high population and its concentration of major cities make it a breeding ground for serial killers, and the state has seen its fair share of infamous cases. In fact, California is the only state in the United States with more than 200 serial killers.

Texas: A Close Second

Texas is the second state with the most serial killers in the country, with more than 150 since the 1800s. Texas also has a long and dark history with serial killers, from the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” killer Ed Gein to the notorious “Yates Boys” Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole. Texas’s large population and its concentration of cities, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, make it an attractive place for serial killers. As with California, Texas has seen its fair share of infamous cases, such as the “Killer Clown” John Wayne Gacy, who was convicted of murdering 33 people.

Florida: The Third Most Serial Killers

Florida is the third state with the most serial killers in the country, with more than 100 since the 1800s. Florida has a long history with serial killers, from the infamous “Gainesville Ripper” Danny Rolling to the notorious “Grim Sleeper” Lonnie Franklin. Florida’s high population and its concentration of major cities, such as Miami and Orlando, make it an ideal place for serial killers. Florida has seen its fair share of infamous cases, such as the “Coconut Grove Strangler” Bobby Joe Long and the “Kissimmee Killer” William Reece.

Other States with High Numbers of Serial Killers

Other states with high numbers of serial killers include Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington. Each of these states has seen its fair share of notorious serial killers, from the “Michigan Murderer” John Norman Collins to the “Happy Face Killer” Keith Jesperson. It’s important to note that these states have seen far fewer serial killers than California, Texas, and Florida, but they still have significant numbers of serial killers.

Why Do Certain States Have More Serial Killers?

There are a few factors that could explain why certain states have more serial killers than others. For one, population size is a major factor. The more people there are in a given area, the more potential victims there are for a serial killer. The concentration of major cities is also a factor, as these cities provide a larger pool of potential victims as well as more anonymity for the killer. Additionally, certain states may have more lenient laws when it comes to prosecuting serial killers, which could explain why some states have seen more serial killers than others.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to serial killers, California is the undisputed leader, with more than 200 serial killers in the state since the 1800s. Texas is a close second, with more than 150 serial killers, followed by Florida with more than 100. Other states with high numbers of serial killers include Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Population size, the concentration of major cities, and lenient laws could all explain why certain states have more serial killers than others.