U.S. Census Office, Percentage of the Aggregate Population in Each Age Group, by Sex (1898)

These population graphs, included in the Statistical Atlas of the United States Based upon the Results of the Eleventh Census, illustrate the distribution of the 1890 aggregate population by age group and sex. In states such as Connecticut, Delaware, and Maine, the graphs are nearly symmetrical, reflecting relatively balanced male and female populations across age groups. In contrast, many states west of the Mississippi River—including Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington—display a noticeably higher proportion of younger males than females. This pattern is also evident, though less pronounced, in states such as Nevada, South Dakota, and North Dakota, which likewise show male-skewed populations. Texas stands out as an exception among western states, as its population distribution is more evenly balanced between males and females. These demographic imbalances reflect the economic conditions of the late nineteenth century. As the United States population expanded, demand for industrial labor increased, particularly in the West. Opportunities in railroad construction, mining, and related industries drew large numbers of men willing to endure long hours and low wages. As westward expansion continued, these labor demands contributed to the male-dominated population patterns visible in many western states.