Miss USA 1953 was the second Miss USA pageant, held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California on July 16, 1953. At the end of the event, Jackie Loughery of New York crowned Myrna Hansen of Illinois as Miss USA 1953. It is the first victory of Illinois in the pageant's history. Contestants from 43 states and cities competed in this year's pageant. The competition was hosted by Bob Russel.

Background

Selection of participants

Contestants from 43 states/cities have been selected to compete in the competition. The age requirement in this edition is still from 18 to 28, where women who are married and have children can also participate. Jeanne Vaughn Thompson of Louisiana, who competed last year and placed as first runner-up, competed once again in this edition, making her the first contestant from Miss USA who competed twice. This edition saw the debuts of Iowa, Maryland, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The states of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Tennessee withdrew in this edition.

Results

Placements

Special awards

Pageant

Format

From ten semi-finalists in 1952, twenty semi-finalists were chosen at the preliminary competition that consists of the swimsuit and evening gown competition. Each of the twenty semi-finalists gave a short speech during the final telecast. Afterwards, the twenty semi-finalists paraded again in their swimsuits and evening gowns, and the five finalists were eventually chosen.

Selection committee

Contestants

43 contestants competed for the title.