What are the two most populous capital cities in the U.S.A.? (data 2001)

It's a common pattern for a state's capital to not be its largest city—think of Albany versus New York City, or Sacramento versus Los Angeles. This is often because capitals were chosen for their central location or as a political compromise. Based on the 2001 U.S. Census, however, the two most populous capitals were cities that also happened to be the largest urban centers in their respective states, bucking this common trend.

The top spot was held by Phoenix, Arizona. As the anchor of the sprawling "Valley of the Sun" metropolitan area, Phoenix experienced a massive population boom throughout the latter half of the 20th century, cementing its status as a major American city. Following in second place was Indianapolis, Indiana. A key Midwestern hub, its population figures were notably influenced by a 1970 city-county consolidation known as Unigov, which expanded the city's official boundaries and resident count significantly.

While this ranking was correct for 2001, it's a great example of how demographics are always in motion. In the decades since, the continued rapid growth of other capitals that are also major economic engines, such as Austin, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, has shifted the list.