The States With The Most (And Least) People On Food Stamps in 2026
New Mexico has the highest percentage of food stamp recipients at 21.49%.
California has the largest number of food stamp recipients at 3,987,751.
Only 5.54% of people in Wyoming receive food stamps, the lowest in the nation.
26,697,330 Americans receive food stamps, accounting for 12.4% of the total population.
The topic of food stamps remains significant in today’s political discourse, with ongoing debates over program funding and eligibility impacting millions of Americans. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, plays a crucial role in combating hunger for various vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This article explores the state-by-state distribution of food stamp recipients and highlights trends in SNAP participation as of 2026.
All 50 States Ranked From Most People On Food Stamps To Least
| State | % Of The Population | Food Stamp Recipients | Food Stamps Redeemed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 21.49% | 450,221 | $619,024,531 |
| Louisiana | 17.20% | 801,655 | $1,295,018,497 |
| Mississippi | 14.96% | 446,880 | $713,135,677 |
| Oklahoma | 14.79% | 583,042 | $811,995,101 |
| Alabama | 14.76% | 721,299 | $1,083,457,368 |
| Oregon | 14.09% | 590,317 | $882,733,411 |
| Rhode Island | 14.01% | 148,087 | $233,917,388 |
| Illinois | 14.00% | 1,783,530 | $2,700,949,186 |
| Nevada | 13.89% | 421,481 | $628,193,743 |
| Pennsylvania | 13.71% | 1,755,663 | $2,568,454,573 |
| New York | 13.30% | 2,598,826 | $4,448,544,794 |
| Tennessee | 13.06% | 884,025 | $1,397,253,906 |
| Florida | 13.01% | 2,770,280 | $5,777,187,686 |
| Delaware | 12.95% | 125,239 | $202,051,329 |
| Georgia | 12.44% | 1,308,264 | $2,362,433,700 |
| Ohio | 11.77% | 1,375,316 | $2,065,801,626 |
| Texas | 11.76% | 3,376,727 | $5,836,428,708 |
| Alaska | 11.69% | 86,185 | $186,671,667 |
| Maine | 11.66% | 156,079 | $215,608,124 |
| South Carolina | 11.61% | 590,285 | $964,232,162 |
| Arkansas | 11.60% | 349,592 | $494,403,051 |
| Michigan | 11.56% | 1,155,683 | $1,900,615,478 |
| Kentucky | 11.54% | 515,693 | $879,799,216 |
| Missouri | 11.16% | 683,574 | $1,066,784,954 |
| Arizona | 11.12% | 797,795 | $1,207,835,668 |
| Massachusetts | 11.05% | 762,684 | $1,161,235,795 |
| Hawaii | 10.89% | 154,642 | $463,723,986 |
| Washington | 10.75% | 810,037 | $1,259,258,321 |
| Vermont | 10.73% | 67,195 | $69,950,197 |
| Wisconsin | 10.49% | 610,078 | $819,942,881 |
| Connecticut | 10.21% | 364,704 | $614,018,043 |
| Maryland | 10.18% | 615,096 | $984,423,733 |
| California | 10.08% | 3,987,751 | $6,362,195,203 |
| Montana | 9.99% | 106,146 | $157,065,208 |
| Iowa | 9.90% | 312,501 | $451,137,429 |
| South Dakota | 9.08% | 80,139 | $125,887,546 |
| Nebraska | 8.23% | 158,755 | $234,040,337 |
| Virginia | 8.22% | 699,837 | $1,087,408,917 |
| Idaho | 8.17% | 143,236 | $206,827,509 |
| Indiana | 7.78% | 520,463 | $909,202,585 |
| New Jersey | 7.75% | 690,789 | $1,070,141,160 |
| Colorado | 7.74% | 440,612 | $672,250,442 |
| Minnesota | 7.20% | 404,212 | $514,410,616 |
| Kansas | 6.86% | 199,622 | $301,508,197 |
| North Dakota | 6.32% | 48,043 | $82,623,600 |
| New Hampshire | 5.44% | 73,775 | $134,546,170 |
| Utah | 5.34% | 168,772 | $256,424,261 |
| West Virginia | 5.26% | 305,640 | $416,581,435 |
| Wyoming | 4.39% | 25,349 | $42,410,177 |
How We Determined The States That Receive The Most Food Stamps
To identify the states most reliant on food stamps, we calculated the percentage of each state’s population enrolled in SNAP. We sourced state population data from the American Community Survey and used USDA SNAP data tables for the number of participants in each state. States were ranked based on their percentage of food stamp recipients. For instance, New Mexico tops the list, with over 21% of its residents relying on food stamps.
Additionally, we analyzed SNAP redemption figures from the USDA SNAP data tables. Note that data for North Carolina is unavailable due to non-reporting to the USDA.
While examining the top 10 states with the highest dependency on food stamps, it’s important to note that the least dependent states have rates below 10%, illustrating a stark contrast to those in the top ranks.
Other Interesting Facts
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Households must earn below 130% of the federal poverty level to qualify for SNAP benefits.
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A family of four needs to have an income of $31,980 or less to be eligible for SNAP assistance.
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The average household benefits from approximately $256 per month for food expenses.
1. New Mexico
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 21.49%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 450,221
Dollar Amount Spent: $619,024,531
With a statewide unemployment rate of 4.8%, it’s no surprise that many New Mexicans depend on food stamps for nourishment. With 21% of the population enrolled in SNAP, nearly 1 in 4 residents receives assistance. Any changes to food stamp policies will likely have the most significant impact here.
2. Louisiana
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 17.20%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 801,655
Dollar Amount Spent: $1,295,018,497
While slightly fewer Louisianans receive SNAP benefits compared to New Mexicans, the 17% rate remains concerning. Louisiana also ranks poorly for millennials due to its high poverty levels and unemployment rates.
3. Mississippi
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.96%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 446,880
Dollar Amount Spent: $713,135,677
Mississippi ranks third for food stamp reliance, reflecting similar struggles to Louisiana, with high poverty and unemployment pushing many residents to depend on SNAP.
4. Oklahoma
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.79%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 583,042
Dollar Amount Spent: $811,995,101
Approximately 14% of Oklahomans rely on food stamps, reflecting a significant dependence on this program for many families in the state.
5. Alabama
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.76%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 721,299
Dollar Amount Spent: $1,083,457,368
Alabama ranks fifth, with 14.76% of its residents depending on food stamps to support their families.
6. Oregon
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.09%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 590,317
Dollar Amount Spent: $882,733,411
Oregon ranks as the sixth most food stamp-dependent state, with 14% of its residents relying on this essential resource.
7. Rhode Island
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.01%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 148,087
Dollar Amount Spent: $233,917,388
Despite its reputation for a strong middle class, a significant portion of Rhode Island’s population still depends on food stamps.
8. Illinois
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 14.00%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 1,783,530
Dollar Amount Spent: $2,700,949,186
Illinois leads the top 10 states in terms of the total dollar amount of food stamps redeemed, totaling over $2.7 billion, reflecting its large recipient base.
9. Nevada
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 13.89%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 421,481
Dollar Amount Spent: $628,193,743
Nevada ranks ninth, with nearly 14% of its population receiving food stamps to mitigate food insecurity.
10. Pennsylvania
Percent Of Population On Food Stamps: 13.71%
People Receiving Food Stamps: 1,755,663
Dollar Amount Spent: $2,568,454,573
In Pennsylvania, 13.7% of residents rely on food stamps, indicating significant need in comparison to states with lower dependency rates.
Summary of the 10 States That Receive The Most Food Stamps
In summary, these ten states have the highest percentage of residents relying on food stamps, with New Mexico topping the list. Changes to federal SNAP policy could severely impact these regions, which already face significant economic challenges. It’s important to recognize that food stamp eligibility is tied to federal poverty levels, which can vary widely based on local cost of living conditions. Residents in low-cost areas may have a higher likelihood of qualifying for assistance compared to those in more expensive regions. Additionally, the effectiveness of local administration of SNAP benefits can influence access and support across different states.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
