Let’s Talk Christmas Trees: States That Grow the Most Trees and Employ the Most Workers
California has the highest number of Christmas tree-related jobs in the country, totaling 23,738.
Oregon leads in wages paid to Christmas tree industry workers, amounting to $305.97 million.
Oregon also tops the charts in Christmas tree harvesting in the U.S., with 6.44 million trees cut.
There are over 10,000 Christmas tree operations across the U.S., employing more than 100,000 individuals full or part-time in the industry.
Last year, Americans adorned their homes with over 32 million real Christmas trees, reaffirming the enduring popularity of fresh trees over artificial options.
This year is poised to be another exceptional one for the Christmas tree market.
With the festive season approaching, we at Zippia set out to analyze which states are generating the most revenue from Christmas tree sales and creating the most jobs in this sector.
We delved into the data, and here’s what we discovered about the leading Christmas tree-producing states in America:
Other Interesting Christmas Tree Facts:
-
The average cost of a Christmas tree last year stood at $78.
-
A total of 32.8 million trees were sold last year, generating over a billion dollars in revenue.
-
Since it takes an average of 7 years for a tree to mature, approximately 350 million Christmas trees are currently being cultivated across more than 300,000 acres in the U.S.
-
California ranks first for Christmas tree-related jobs but only 15th in terms of wages paid.
A Note on Methodology
For this analysis, we consulted the National Christmas Tree Association, which provides valuable insights into:
- Trees harvested
- Acres in production
- Tree operations
- Number of Christmas tree sales
We also referenced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nursery report for job-related data, focusing on states with operations generating over $10,000 in sales. This data captures the majority of workers, particularly since the top three states account for more employment than the remaining 14 combined.
The Christmas tree industry provides direct employment for over 100,000 workers in the United States, spanning roles from tree farming to retail sales.
California leads in employment, with 23,738 workers relying on the festive season for their income.
While California may have the highest number of industry jobs, it ranks 15th in wage payments. Oregon, the leading grower, dominates wage distribution in the sector.
It’s likely that your Christmas tree traveled from Oregon, which harvested 37% of all Christmas trees on an impressive 53,000 acres.
If your tree didn’t originate from Oregon, it may have come from North Carolina or Michigan, as the top three states collectively account for 72% of all Christmas tree harvests.
Where do these trees end up after being cut down? Here’s where most Americans purchase their Christmas trees:
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree Summary
If your Christmas tree could share its story, it might reveal where it was grown and the number of people it has helped employ. While it may also express a disdain for tinsel and the discomfort of a star on top, it’s probably best to let it be.
Regardless of its origin, your Christmas tree contributes to an industry that employs over 100,000 individuals and spans more than 300,000 acres. It is much more than a seasonal decoration; it’s a significant economic contributor.
Next up, candy canes. Just kidding—probably.
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.
