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Top US states where you're most likely to discover gold today

By Austin Williams
Published  October 2, 2024 9:08am EDT
Money
FOX TV Digital Team
article

FILE - A man holds a gold nugget in California.  (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - A recent study from SD Bullion, a leading precious metals dealer, has revealed the top U.S. states where you're most likely to strike gold. 

By analyzing data from the United States Geological Survey, SD Bullion identified the areas with the highest concentration of gold deposits. From California’s "Golden State" legacy to hidden treasures in Alaska, these states offer the best chances for prospectors to hit it big. Whether you’re an amateur treasure hunter or a professional, here’s where your odds of striking gold are the highest.

Where are the top states for finding gold?

If you're hoping to strike it rich by finding gold in the U.S., your best bet is to head to the West Coast. 

California, often called "The Golden State," lives up to its name by boasting 66.59 gold locations per 1,000 square miles. With more than 10,000 gold discovery or production locations, California leads by a wide margin.

Washington follows as the second-best state, with 34.17 gold locations per 1,000 square miles. Although it has fewer total locations than California, Washington’s smaller land area gives it a high density of gold deposits, making it a prime destination for prospectors.

Oregon rounds out the top three, with 31.41 gold locations per 1,000 square miles. The state's gold discoveries have also made it a popular spot for those hoping to find gold in its rivers and mountainous terrain.

Fast facts about U.S. gold hotspots

  • Best value for prospectors: California has the highest concentration of gold locations per square mile, making it the top state for striking it rich.
  • Most remote opportunity: Alaska has the second-highest number of gold locations, but its vast size pushes it down to ninth in terms of gold density.
  • Surprise contender: Washington, often overshadowed by states like Nevada and Colorado in mining lore, takes second place thanks to its smaller land area and impressive gold history.
  • Rarest find: Oklahoma only has one documented gold location, making it the least likely state for prospectors.

Top 10 U.S. states for gold discovery

  1. California:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 66.59Total locations: 10,373 
  2. Washington:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 34.17Total locations: 2,271 
  3. Oregon:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 31.41Total locations: 3,015 
  4. Nevada:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 30.91Total locations: 3,393 
  5. Idaho:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 28.44Total locations: 2,350 
  6. Arizona:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 17.40Total locations: 1,977 
  7. Colorado:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 14.89Total locations: 1,543 
  8. Montana:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 13.21Total locations: 1,923
  9. Alaska:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 9.22Total locations: 5,264 
  10. Utah:Gold locations per 1,000 sq. miles: 7.46Total locations: 613

Treasure chest worth millions found in Rocky Mountains

Forrest Fenn hid the chest in 2010 somewhere in the wilderness. Many quit their jobs to dedicate themselves to the search, and at least four people died searching for it.

Why California is the ultimate gold hotspot

California’s rich history with gold, dating back to the Gold Rush era, continues to make it the prime spot for gold prospectors. 

With more than 10,000 sites where gold has been found or produced, it dwarfs the competition. From its rivers to its mountainous regions, California offers the best chance for anyone hoping to find gold in the U.S.

Gold’s hidden gems: Washington and Oregon

While states like Nevada and Colorado are well-known for their gold discoveries, Washington and Oregon have made a name for themselves thanks to their high concentration of gold-rich locations. In Washington, the mountainous regions and riverbeds have long been fertile grounds for gold, while Oregon’s historic mining sites have seen a resurgence of interest in recent years.

The Source:
This article is based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey and analysis by SD Bullion. It highlights the states with the highest number of gold locations per 1,000 square miles, offering insights for both amateur and professional prospectors.