California is the most populous state with 39 million people. Currently 8,000 hospitalized. The peak was 14,000 in Jan.

Florida has 21.6 million people. 14,000 currently hospitalized, all time high.

New York state population is 20 million, roughly equal to Florida. 2,200 hospitalized, six times less than Florida. The peak was 10,000 in Jan.

So no, population reason doesn't cut it.

We've had a mild summer in the northeast, I'd expect the cases to rise dramatically in New York and New Jersey as we get into the winter and people spend more time indoors.

Yep, same as last year. And Texas and Florida have had more cases in the summer, for similar reasons.

15% of the population has 31% of hospitalizations.

Definitely a "surprise".

Two of the most populous states with the main seasonal factor (hot, humid weather) driving people to congregate indoors right now.

Texas and Florida together account for 15% of the US population, but 30% of the hospitalizations.