New "guess what the map is telling us" thread

[RedSLC]

Have a shot at this map:

[RedSLC]

Have a shot at this map:

Percent of the population living in urbanized areas?  (Or, perhaps, metropolitan areas instead?)

Close enough. It's actually percent of the population living in urban areas. Urbanized areas are urban areas with a population of at least 50,000, while urban areas are densely-populated settlements of at least 2,500 people. If this map was of urbanized areas, several states (such as Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas) would be several shades lighter.

[RedSLC]

The % of non-religious people?

No

HINT:  It has something to do with a presidential election.

% of white vote for Obama in 2008 or 2012?

Good guess, but no.  It's a third party candidate's performance in a past election. 

John Anderson 1980?

[RedSLC]

Veterans/Those serving in the military?

No, that's a great guess though (but Florida would be much darker). Hint: Think some form of employment.

Percentage of employees working for the US Government?

[RedSLC]

Veterans/Those serving in the military?

No, that's a great guess though (but Florida would be much darker). Hint: Think some form of employment.

Percentage of employees working for the US Government?

Yes. It was very hard to give a hint without giving it away. Here is the key:

>30% = 11-13%
>40%  = 13-15%
>50% = 15-17%
>60% = 17=19%
>70% = 19-21%
>80% = 21-23%
>90% = >23%

Overall about 15-16% of people work in some relation with the US government ("government employees")

I thought it might be that. Virginia and Maryland being some of the darkest shades was one giveaway.