Alcohol purchasing by the U.S. state

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Alcohol purchasing and consumption per capita also vary widely across U.S. states due to factors such as cultural norms, demographics, economic conditions, and regulations (each state has the authority to establish its own laws and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol). Keep in mind that the data might have changed since then. Generally, states with higher alcohol purchasing per capita might have more lenient alcohol regulations, a stronger drinking culture, or a higher concentration of tourists.

For instance, Nevada is known for its tourism, including cities like Las Vegas, which can contribute to higher alcohol consumption. The state’s entertainment and hospitality industry can significantly impact alcohol sales per capita.

New Hampshire has relatively high alcohol sales per capita due in part to its state-operated liquor stores. These stores often have lower prices than neighboring states, which can attract buyers from out of state.

Alcohol sales in North Dakota can be influenced by factors like harsh weather conditions and limited entertainment options, which might lead to more indoor gatherings and higher alcohol consumption.

Utah has relatively low alcohol consumption per capita due to its unique alcohol regulations. The state’s laws limit the availability and potency of alcoholic beverages in various ways.

Delaware has relatively high alcohol consumption per capita, possibly due to its size and proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Baltimore.

The maps below shows alcohol purchasing by the U.S. state. Findings are based on alcoholic beverage purchasing data, collected from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

The 10 states that purchase the most bear (gallons of ethanol per capita)

1. New Hampshire – 2.0963
2. North Dakota – 1.8437
3. Montana – 1.8020
4. Vermont – 1.7634
5. South Dakota – 1.6447
6. Nevada – 1.5717
7. Wisconsin – 1.5327
8. Maine – 1.5079
9. Texas – 1.4886
10. Nebraska – 1.4758

The 10 states that purchase the most wine (gallons of ethanol per capita)

1. Idaho – 1.3510
2. District of Columbia – 1.1334
3. New Hampshire – 0.9887
4. Vermont – 0.8897
5. Delaware – 0.8191
6. Massachusetts – 0.7284
7. Connecticut – 0.6983
8. Nevada – 0.6809
9. California – 0.6692
10. Oregon – 0.6670

The 10 states that purchase the most spirits (gallons of ethanol per capita)

1. New Hampshire – 2.2421
2. Delaware – 2.0010
3. District Columbia – 1.8585
4. Nevada – 1.6045
5. North Dakota – 1.4533
6. Alaska – 1.3913
7. Wisconsin – 1.3705
8. Minnesota – 1.3200
9. Wyoming – 1.3133
10. Colorado – 1.3004

The 10 states that purchase the most alcohol (gallons of ethanol per capita)

1. New Hampshire – 5.3271
2. District of Columbia – 4.2381
3. Delaware – 4.1556
4. Nevada – 3.8571
5. North Dakota – 3.6750
6. Vermont – 3.4746
7. Montana – 3.4697
8. Wisconsin – 3.3573
9. Idaho – 3.3247
10. Alaska – 3.3191

The per capita consumption of alcohol in the United States was around 2.3 gallons (8.7 liters) of pure alcohol per person aged 14 and older. This value takes into account all types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.

For more, have a look at the following books:

• Drinking in America: Our Secret History
• Prohibition in the United States: A History From Beginning to End
• The Prohibition Era in the United States: The History and Legacy of America’s Ban on Alcohol and Its Repeal