What states do you all think are the MVPs of Unsolved Mysteries? In other words, where do the cases seem to disproportionately amass on a geographical basis? From viewing a lot of cases lately, for example, I'm developing a deep suspiscion of Oregon generally, and the eastern half of that state specifically, even though I was just there, as it seems to come up time and again in case profiles, despite the fact that it is hardly the most populous state in the Union.

I think it would be an interesting project to "map" the Unsolved Mysteries cases and see where they all occur, and what types of cases (Unexplained Death, Missing Person, etc.) come up most often in various areas. My gut feeling is that Montana and Oregon are featured in cases involving people who disappeared a disproportionate amount of the time considering their actual populations; Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan seem to come up an awful lot as well.

I've noticed a lot happen in Pennsylvania. Also Las Vegas is mentioned in quite a few of the cases.

Perhaps I'm mixing up what I'm seeing on UM with what I'm seeing on other missing persons sights, but it seems like a lot of people bite it in Arizona, too...

And yes, I would say Montana has a very high proportion of people who just "disappear." It makes sense. As a resident of Lincoln said at the time the Unabomber was captured there, "Montana is a place you come to when you want to be left alone." I fully agree, especially in smaller areas of the state, like Lincoln.

Good question. Oklahoma was the first state that came to mind, then Montana as already mentioned. Oregon didn't come to mind, but maybe.

I believe Michigan and Ohio are 6th and 7th population wise, so that might explain it if they seem to come up quite a bit.

It's unforunate that some of the most beautiful spots in the country become inhabited by so many crazies (Michigan, California, Florida, etc.)

Michigan is kind of like Florida: the more south you get in the state, the worse it gets. The upper part of the state isn't too bad at all, but in the southern and mid sections you got the murder capital of the country in Detroit, plus Kalamazoo, Flint and Saginaw (my birth place) are all currently horrible. I wish I could defend my own state more, but it's kind of difficult.

Arizona is quite the burdgeoning state, acquiring two additional house seats/electoral votes during the 2000 census. Plus I believe they stand to pick up at least one more during the 2010 census if current predictions hold. Arizona is kind of becoming the new California from what I hear.