This statistic shows the length of the largest rivers in the U.S. in 2005. The Missouri river covers a length of 2,540 miles and is therefore the largest river in the U.S.
The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length
(in miles)
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* In east-central Louisiana, the Red River flows into the Atchafalaya River, a distributary of the Mississippi River. Data on average discharge, length, and drainage area include the Red River, but exclude all water diverted into the Atchafalaya from the Mississippi River.
** From source to mouth.
*** The length from the source of the Missouri River to the Mississippi River and thence to the Gulf of Mexico is about 3,710 miles.
Citation formats
Veera Korhonen
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US Census Bureau. (September 30, 2011). The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length (in miles) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. "The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length (in miles) ." Chart. September 30, 2011. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. (2011). The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length (in miles) . Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 26, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. "The Largest Rivers in The U.S. as of 2005, by Length (in Miles) ." Statista, Statista Inc., 30 Sep 2011, https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau, The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length (in miles) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/ (last visited April 26, 2025)
The largest rivers in the U.S. as of 2005, by length (in miles) [Graph], US Census Bureau, September 30, 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/204227/the-length-of-the-largest-rivers-in-the-us/
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