Top 10 Best U.S. State Flags

Very cool and very unique. You can tell you are in Maryland if you see this flag from far away. I once drew the Maryland flag, and it still looked great!

My life began in Maryland, and I am very proud of this state's flag. Even though I don't live there, I'm still proud of the beauty and design of this flag. I always thought it was unique, with the colors and the history of the state all brought together. It made me proud to display my hometown flag at the different Army posts I've lived at. Oh, and to be sure, it makes a pretty neat-looking bow tie too.

For those who think this is a palm tree, it is not. This is a palmetto tree (hence the nickname The Palmetto State), and they are native to our state. The wood of the tree is very soft and makes for good defensive structures because it absorbs cannon shot instead of shattering. This is the simplest and most aesthetically pleasing flag of all.

This flag, unlike most of the other state flags, actually shows something that South Carolina is well known for! This flag is in my top 10. (It's literally nicknamed "The Palmetto State.") I wish more states would make their flag have an image of something their state is well known for.

Many state flags are simply an existing seal slapped onto a monochrome background. Arizona's flag is technically simpler than many, but it contains far more depth.

The stripes emanating from the star represent both the climate of the state and the Spanish legacy. Their number also ties back to the thirteen original states. The star's copper color reflects its history in mining as well as standing out from the other colors. The blue bottom of the flag represents the Colorado River, a dominant geographic feature, and also serves as a counterpart to the warm colors emanating from the star.

What you end up with is a flag with only four colors, simple to draw from memory and recognize from a distance, but also one impossible to disconnect from the state it represents.

I'm an Air Force brat and have personally seen a lot of flags, both from the U.S. and other countries as well. I've lived in New Mexico for 22 years, and I feel the New Mexico flag is beautiful, unique, and awesome. I'm glad it made #2, even though it should be #1!

Most people think New Mexico is a whole different country, but of course, it's the 47th state as of 1912. Americans need to know we are a STATE! Haven't they heard of Billy the Kid, Smokey the Bear, or even the Manhattan Project? Haven't they seen the old footage of the mushroom cloud from the first A-bomb tested at White Sands' Trinity site? It's in a heck of a lot of movies!

Anyway, New Mexico ROCKS, and we have one of the best flags in the world!

The California flag is awesome! It has a cool bear on it and it has a lot of color! I especially like that it says "California" on it so you don't have to guess what state it is. I was surprised that California was so low on the list though. Oklahoma has a really cool flag too!

Very detailed and impressive, nice to represent the state and a good symbol overall. I like the style of the flag and just the general presence of it. Noting that it says California Republic, there is no confusion about which state it is (I am looking at you, Hawaii).

Texas's flag is the best! Out of all the flags here, this flag is the most American. Its only colors are red, white, and blue. Finally, it has a star on it that represents the state. It might not be the American flag, but it is the best and most American flag of all 50 U.S. states!

There is a lot of history behind this flag. We were our own country for a decade before becoming a state. No other states can say that.

A perfect example of clean lines and a simple design being used to make something beautiful.

Yeah, it might not be number one, but it's still pretty cool. Some flags look so poorly drawn (Illinois), and why do some have their founding dates? That doesn't belong on a flag. Also, I agree it is so underrated.

The most underrated flag. The colors and designs together create perfection. Of the older state flags that are similar, this one is the best.

Seriously? Not even on the list yet? PA's flag is old-fashioned but extremely pretty. I rate it in at least the top 5.

Easily recognizable when flying or hanging. Simple and well conceived.

Great colors and a nice design.

Ohio is the only U.S. state flag that isn't rectangular. It has a lot of symbolism in it. The stars on the left side of the flag represent the original 13 colonies. The four stars to the right, when added to the other 13 stars, make 17 because Ohio is the 17th state.

The red and white circle on the flag makes the O in Ohio. I have also heard that the O in the flag represents a buckeye, but that one may not be true. Finally, because of the way the flag is shaped, it is folded 17 times, as again, Ohio is the 17th state. Ohio's flag is very unique and has a lot more symbolism than most of the other flags on this list.

Stars with a dark blue background. There is something about this flag that amazes me.

Good looking flag. Like the stars. 8/10.

The Great Dipper and North Star represent the strength and northern orientation of Alaska.

Mississippi, I'm so glad you changed your flag. Utah also did this, but you started states redesigning their flags. I love the flag as well. 8.98/10

It's a very new flag and I think it's one of the most beautiful flags there is.

I agree, the name is not necessary. The design came from a contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Paul Hadley of Mooresville won the contest without including the name. The General Assembly added it.

If it didn't have its name on it (small, I admit), and a brighter yellow and different design, this would've been a perfect flag! As it is now, though, it's a good 7.8/10 (by the way, I'm biased since I live here).

Indiana's flag is really good and would be even better without the name. For sure one of the best.

My grandmother designed this flag. I don't think she approved of the addition of "Oklahoma." It looked much nicer without it. It's the best in my book!

If you've never seen the Oklahoma flag, take this time. Check it out and tell me it's not the coolest.

It would look better and be a cool flag without "Oklahoma" in there.

Woo hoo! We're number 11! I can honestly think of some below us that shouldn't be.

By accident, I put Virginia a second time.

Simple and classic. Also kind of badass.

It's cool and unique, in a gladiator way.

Yup, easily recognizable when flying. Maybe not so much when hanging, but at least it's not a big round seal in the middle of a blue field like far too many others.

It looks like the Louisiana flag but with a buffalo instead of a pelican.

The bison represents the fauna, while the seal symbolizes the custom of branding.

Restrained and elegant. Incorporates state history but doesn't offend.

If you are a Southerner and know your history and also do not want to offend anyone, you will love this flag.

A beautiful flag, but completely out of character with the state it represents. Why isn't it green and pink?

American state. Supporter of the Queen. Great combination.

A bald eagle symbolizes war. The sego lily represents peace. The beehive represents hard work. The date 1847 represents the year the Mormon pioneers entered Salt Lake.

I think the symbol looks great, but the plain yellow background needs more design.

Easily identifiable when flying without having to read some funky emblem on a blue background.

It's the only green flag and is pretty basic and well designed.