Think your state loves beer? The numbers are in, and some places are far more thirsty than others. According to recent statistics, the average American adult (21+) drinks about 28.2 gallons of beer per year—around 10 ounces a day, or one six-pack per week. But several states blow past that national average.
Whether it’s cold-weather traditions, deeply rooted beer cultures, or booming craft scenes, here are the 10 states that drink the most beer per capita, along with what helps fuel their consumption:
10. Maine – 34.0 Gallons per Adult
This New England state is known for its scenic coastlines, lobster rolls, and now, its love for beer. Maine has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the U.S., with standout names like Allagash and Bissell Brothers drawing beer tourists from across the country. The state’s emphasis on local, small-batch production keeps residents and visitors alike sipping year-round, especially during the bustling summer months.
9. Texas – 34.4 Gallons per Adult
Hot weather and cold beers. Texas’s vast size and diverse population help fuel a thriving beer culture that spans from small-town dive bars to massive craft festivals. The state is home to over 400 breweries, with major players like Shiner and Saint Arnold leading the charge, alongside a wave of trendy craft newcomers in Austin and Houston. Whether it’s tailgating before a football game or cooling off after a day in the sun, beer is often part of the occasion in the Lone Star State.
8. Nebraska – 35.2 Gallons per Adult
From Husker football tailgates to laid-back nights at neighborhood bars, Nebraska’s beer culture runs deep. The state has seen a steady rise in craft breweries over the past decade, with standout spots like Kinkaider Brewing and Zipline Brewing making waves regionally. With a strong sense of community and a growing appreciation for local brews, Nebraskans have plenty of reasons to raise a glass, especially when game day rolls around.
7. Vermont – 35.3 Gallons per Adult
Small state with a massive love for beer. Vermont consistently ranks #1 in the nation for craft breweries per capita, boasting about 15 breweries per 100,000 adults. That’s not a typo—locals can find a pint around every corner. Vermont also leads in craft beer production per adult, with around 21.8 gallons brewed for every person over 21 each year.
6. Nevada – 35.8 Gallons per Adult
Given that Las Vegas also consistently ranks as one of America’s most sinful cities—thanks to its wild nightlife, gambling, and yes, free-flowing booze—it’s no surprise that Nevada lands on this list.
Much of Nevada’s top-tier consumption isn’t rooted in local brewing culture—it’s driven by heavy tourist traffic and the demand from party-loving visitors who come for the neon and stay for the brews.
Interestingly, Nevada doesn’t produce much of its own beer: it ranks 48th in beer production per capita, meaning a whopping 98% of the beer enjoyed there is imported from other states. Its craft scene is relatively modest, too, with only about 2.3 breweries per 100,000 adults, placing the state in the lower third nationwide.
5. Wisconsin – 36.2 Gallons per Adult
Wisconsin is virtually synonymous with beer culture. With 634 drinks per year per person – about 150 more than the U.S. average. A deep-rooted legacy of German immigration helped shape the state’s brewing traditions, with iconic names like Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz turning Milwaukee into “Brew City.”
From Oktoberfest celebrations to brat fests and tailgating in subzero temps, beer is a centerpiece of social life. The state’s permissive alcohol laws only reinforce the culture. And speaking as a Wisconsinite, we even have beer at our church picnics. Enough said.
4. South Dakota – 38.9 Gallons per Adult
From rodeo nights to college football weekends, South Dakota embraces beer as a social staple. The state’s binge-drinking rate—about 20% of adults reporting at least one binge episode per month. Events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which draws hundreds of thousands of beer-loving visitors annually, also boost the numbers—attendees are estimated to drink around 3 million gallons of beer during the rally alone.
3. Montana – 41.0 Gallons per Adult
Montana’s love of the outdoors—hiking, fishing, hunting—pairs perfectly with a post-adventure pint. The state also boasts one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita, with over 11 breweries per 100,000 adults. Local favorites like Big Sky Brewing and KettleHouse reflect a strong, homegrown beer culture that prizes quality and creativity. Add in a high rate of binge drinking and limited public transportation in rural areas, and you’ve got a state where beer plays a central (and sometimes concerning) role in social life.
2. New Hampshire – 43.9 Gallons per Adult
New Hampshire punches well above its weight when it comes to alcohol consumption, and beer is no exception. One big reason? There’s no sales tax or excise tax on alcohol, making it a magnet for drinkers from neighboring states like Massachusetts and Vermont. People often cross state lines just to stock up, and those sales count toward New Hampshire’s per-capita totals.
But it’s not all out-of-staters: New Hampshire also consistently ranks among the top states for alcohol consumption across all categories, including wine and spirits. With a strong culture of private home drinking and easy access to cheap booze, it’s easy to see how the numbers stay high.
1. North Dakota – 45.8 Gallons per Adult
Topping the charts is North Dakota, where beer isn’t just a beverage, it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. With a strong blue‑collar and agricultural culture, Northerners often unwind with a brew after a hard day’s work. That cultural backdrop is reflected in drinking habits: over 24% of adults report binge drinking, well above the U.S. average.
College towns like Fargo and Grand Forks also fuel consumption, and tailgating at North Dakota State and the University of North Dakota are legendary.
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