Cross-checking the list with population density figures per state gives a very different outlook. I went through a very cursory look and skipping the "purple" states I got:
New Jersey is #1 after DC, Mississippi is #33.
New York is #8, South Dakota is #46.
Massachusetts is #3, Louisiana is #26.
Connecticut is #4, North Dakota is #47.
Illinois is #12, Arkansas is #35.
Only getting to New Mexico it breaks down since Alabama has a higher pop. density but Albuquerque has 2x the pop. of Huntsville and pretty much 3x the pop. density.
New Jersey is #1 after DC, Mississippi is #33.
New York is #8, South Dakota is #46.
Massachusetts is #3, Louisiana is #26.
Connecticut is #4, North Dakota is #47.
Illinois is #12, Arkansas is #35.
Only getting to New Mexico it breaks down since Alabama has a higher pop. density but Albuquerque has 2x the pop. of Huntsville and pretty much 3x the pop. density.