Alcohol plays a prominent role in American culture and social life.
But where in the country is this drinking the most prevalent? With help from information and statistics from National Drug Helpline, we explore the states with the highest alcohol consumption per capita, and you may be surprised by what you discover.
What Drives Alcohol Consumption?
Over 85% of U.S. adults say they've consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. While moderate drinking is common, 1 in 4 U.S. adults admit to binge drinking (or drinking five or more drinks on a single occasion) in the last month, a statistic that skews higher among men. In total, Americans drink nearly 8 billion gallons of alcohol each year.
Numerous factors influence the amount of alcohol people consume, including geographic location, income levels, urbanization, and local culture.
Urban areas see the highest rates of alcohol use, with roughly 73% of adults in large metro areas and 70% in small metro areas reporting alcohol consumption, compared to 61% in non-metro and 58% in rural regions. Alcohol use disorders also trend higher in cities, with 7.4% of adults in metro areas affected, versus 6.1% in rural areas.
But income also comes into play regarding alcohol consumption. Higher-income states and those with strong tourism industries also tend to report higher alcohol consumption.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, states with strong religious influence or restrictive alcohol laws consistently rank at the bottom. For example, Utah may be at the bottom because the state has a high Mormon population, which prohibits drinking.
With all of this context in mind, here are the top 10 states with the highest alcohol consumption per capita, measured in gallons per person per year.
New Hampshire — 4.67 Gallons Per Person
New Hampshire tops the list by a wide margin. With 4.67 gallons of alcohol consumed per person annually, the state has no sales tax and relatively lax alcohol laws, making it a significant destination for out-of-state alcohol purchases. Neighboring residents from states like Massachusetts and Vermont often cross the border to purchase tax-free alcohol, which inflates per capita numbers.
Delaware — 3.52 Gallons Per Person
The state's 3.52 gallons per person reflects its urban proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as its growing craft beverage scene. Delaware's relatively high income levels and access to nightlife hubs may contribute to the elevated alcohol consumption rates.
Nevada — 3.42 Gallons Per Person
It may come as no surprise that Nevada, home to Las Vegas, lands in third place on the list of most alcohol consumed per capita. The tourism industry in Nevada, combined with its 24/7 liquor sales and entertainment-driven economy, significantly boosts alcohol consumption in the area. Tourists are not counted in population-based metrics, meaning their drinking habits artificially raise the average.
North Dakota — 3.16 Gallons Per Person
North Dakota's ranking may come as a surprise to some, but 3.16 gallons per person isn't entirely unexpected. The state has a strong bar culture and ranks among the highest for binge drinking, especially among young adults. It also has the highest percentage of adults who drink excessively and the highest alcohol related driving deaths.
Montana — 3.10 Gallons Per Person
Montana's rugged lifestyle is often paired with a strong drinking culture. With 3.10 gallons per person, the state struggles with high rates of excessive drinking and DUI incidents. More than 34 percent of Montana's residents live in rural areas, which is the highest percentage of any state, and rural access to healthcare and cultural attitudes may influence the state's high ranking.
Vermont — 3.06 Gallons Per Person
Like its northern neighbor, New Hampshire, Vermont sees high alcohol consumption at 3.06 gallons per person. Vermont also ranks third in beer consumption per capita, with 1.63 gallons consumed annually, and third in wine consumption, with 0.76 gallons consumed per person.
Idaho — 2.94 Gallons Per Person
Idaho's placement at number seven with 2.94 gallons per person may be linked to its fast-growing cities and changing demographics. Despite ranking high in overall alcohol consumption, only 15.4% of adults report excessive drinking in Idaho, which is below the national average of 18%.
Wisconsin — 2.93 Gallons Per Person
Wisconsin has long been associated with heavy drinking, and 2.93 gallons per person confirms its place in the top 10. 24.6% of adults also drink excessively, putting the state at number two for binge drinking. Known for its beer culture, tailgating, and drinking-friendly legislation, Wisconsin also ranks among the highest in the U.S. in alcohol-related deaths.
Colorado — 2.88 Gallons Per Person
Colorado's booming craft beer industry could very well contribute to its 2.88 gallons per person average. The state has one of the nation's highest total craft output, and urban areas like Denver and Boulder report especially high alcohol use rates. There are approximately 4.54 breweries per 100,000 people in Colorado, meaning alcohol is pretty readily available.
Alaska — 2.85 Gallons Per Person
Alaska closes out the top 10 with 2.85 gallons per person. The state's remote location and long winters may contribute to higher alcohol consumption, particularly in rural areas. American Indians and Alaskans are said to have some of the highest rates of binge drinking and heavy alcohol use, and Alaska ranks 3rd in the nation for excessive binge drinking.
States That Drink the Least
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the five states with the lowest per capita alcohol consumption are.
- Utah – 1.35 Average alcohol consumption in gallons per person per year
- West Virginia – 1.74 Average alcohol consumption in gallons per person per year
- Arkansas – 1.78 Average alcohol consumption in gallons per person per year
- Oklahoma – 1.85 Average alcohol consumption in gallons per person per year
- Georgia – 1.90 Average alcohol consumption in gallons per person per year
Remember, excessive alcohol use can have serious consequences. Drinking too much can lead to accidents and injuries on account of impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, difficulty concentrating, and lack of coordination.
Heavy drinking is also linked to many serious health problems, such as liver cirrhosis, heart disease, digestive conditions, poor immunity, certain types of cancer, memory problems, depression, and anxiety. In fact, alcohol contributes to more than 200 diseases and conditions. Moreover, excessive alcohol use can lead to social problems such as unemployment and strained relationships. For these reasons, it is important to drink in moderation.
Drug Helpline invites those struggling with alcohol addiction to call its 24/7 alcohol hotline on (844) 289-0879.
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