Craft Beer for the Win: The States with the Most Breweries in 2026
The state with the most breweries per capita is Vermont, boasting 68 breweries, which translates to 1 brewery for every 140 mi².
Conversely, Mississippi has the fewest breweries per capita, with just 14 breweries, or 1 brewery for every 3,460 mi².
With a staggering 425 breweries, Colorado ranks as the state with the highest total number of breweries.
As of 2026, there are approximately 9,554 craft breweries operating in the U.S.
For craft beer enthusiasts, visiting a brewery offers a unique experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. The ambiance, diverse beer selections, and community vibe set breweries apart from other establishments.
The craft beer scene has seen explosive growth, with Americans increasingly seeking out local breweries for their favorite brews. In 2025 alone, the U.S. welcomed 436 new breweries, pushing the national total to over 9,500.
This article explores which states host the highest number of breweries per capita, illustrating the craft beer culture across the nation.
We analyzed the number of breweries in each state relative to their populations to determine which states truly celebrate the craft beer movement.
States with the Most Breweries
Craft beer lovers will find plenty to explore in these states, as a higher number of breweries means more options to indulge your palate.
Continue reading to discover how other states measure up in the brewery landscape.
How We Determined This
Our methodology was straightforward: we sourced data on the number of craft breweries by state from Statista.
Statista defines a craft brewery as one that produces fewer than 6 million barrels of beer annually and is not majority-owned by a large alcoholic beverage company. Additionally, each brewery must possess a Brewer’s Notice from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. And yes, they must produce beer (sorry, cider fans).
It’s no surprise that larger states tend to have more breweries. To identify the states with the most breweries per capita, we utilized the latest population estimates from the Census Bureau, resulting in a ranking of states that truly embrace the craft brewery culture.
1. Vermont
Number of Breweries: 68
People per Brewery: 9,176
Vermont’s passion for craft beer is evident with 68 breweries, allowing nearly 9,176 people to enjoy the experience of having their own brewery. It’s clear that locals prefer to unwind at their nearby breweries on weekends.
2. Maine
Number of Breweries: 133
People per Brewery: 10,107
Maine ranks second with 133 breweries, providing ample options for its residents to pair with their famous seafood, especially lobster. The ratio of 10,107 people per brewery ensures that there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a pint.
3. Montana
Number of Breweries: 92
People per Brewery: 11,617
Montana embraces its breweries, with 92 establishments catering to its residents. With a ratio of 11,617 people per brewery, it’s clear that locals enjoy their craft beer, especially during the cold months.
4. Colorado
Number of Breweries: 425
People per Brewery: 13,550
Colorado leads the list with the highest number of breweries at 425. After a day of outdoor adventures, locals have the chance to enjoy a craft beer from one of the many breweries, with 13,550 people sharing each brewery.
5. Oregon
Number of Breweries: 311
People per Brewery: 13,562
Oregon is home to 311 breweries, putting it in fifth place. With a population of 13,562 people per brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the state’s diverse craft beer offerings.
6. Wyoming
Number of Breweries: 41
People per Brewery: 14,116
Wyoming ranks sixth with 41 breweries. Though it may not have as many, the state’s outdoor lifestyle and vibrant brewery culture mean that locals enjoy their brewery visits, with a ratio of 14,116 people per brewery.
7. New Hampshire
Number of Breweries: 91
People per Brewery: 14,942
New Hampshire, with 91 breweries, ranks seventh. The ratio of 14,942 people per brewery speaks to the thriving craft beer culture in the state.
8. Alaska
Number of Breweries: 45
People per Brewery: 16,257
Alaska offers a unique brewery experience with 45 breweries, providing a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. With 16,257 people per brewery, it’s a great way to connect with the community.
9. Washington
Number of Breweries: 423
People per Brewery: 18,002
Washington has the second-highest number of breweries on our list, with 423 establishments. However, with a ratio of 18,002 people per brewery, it comes in ninth place overall.
10. New Mexico
Number of Breweries: 94
People per Brewery: 22,307
Rounding out the top ten is New Mexico, with 94 breweries. This gives a ratio of 22,307 people per brewery, demonstrating a growing interest in the craft beer scene.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Craft Beer!
While the wording might be playful, the sentiment rings true for the residents of these states.
In these states, a robust number of breweries means locals can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere without the stress of overcrowding. If one brewery is full, there’s always another nearby to explore.
Below is a comprehensive table showing how all states measure up in terms of breweries.
States with the Most (and Least) Breweries
| Rank | State | Number Of Breweries | People Per Brewery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 68 | 9,176 |
| 2 | Maine | 133 | 10,107 |
| 3 | Montana | 92 | 11,617 |
| 4 | Colorado | 425 | 13,550 |
| 5 | Oregon | 311 | 13,562 |
| 6 | Wyoming | 41 | 14,116 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 91 | 14,942 |
| 8 | Alaska | 45 | 16,257 |
| 9 | Washington | 423 | 18,002 |
| 10 | New Mexico | 94 | 22,307 |
| 11 | Idaho | 73 | 24,480 |
| 12 | Michigan | 400 | 24,967 |
| 13 | South Dakota | 33 | 26,808 |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 205 | 28,402 |
| 15 | Minnesota | 196 | 28,774 |
| 16 | Virginia | 290 | 29,433 |
| 17 | Iowa | 105 | 30,048 |
| 18 | North Carolina | 333 | 31,496 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 401 | 31,925 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 33 | 32,102 |
| 21 | Connecticut | 104 | 34,282 |
| 22 | North Dakota | 22 | 34,639 |
| 23 | Indiana | 192 | 35,064 |
| 24 | Nebraska | 55 | 35,171 |
| 25 | Delaware | 27 | 36,065 |
| 26 | Ohio | 311 | 37,586 |
| 27 | Massachusetts | 175 | 39,386 |
| 28 | California | 907 | 43,564 |
| 29 | Missouri | 140 | 43,839 |
| 30 | Illinois | 284 | 44,619 |
| 31 | New York | 423 | 45,990 |
| 32 | Kansas | 59 | 49,378 |
| 33 | Maryland | 112 | 53,979 |
| 34 | Arizona | 127 | 57,313 |
| 35 | South Carolina | 88 | 58,508 |
| 36 | Hawaii | 24 | 58,995 |
| 37 | Tennessee | 108 | 63,233 |
| 38 | West Virginia | 28 | 64,005 |
| 39 | Kentucky | 69 | 64,749 |
| 40 | Florida | 329 | 65,282 |
| 41 | Nevada | 45 | 68,448 |
| 42 | New Jersey | 127 | 69,939 |
| 43 | Arkansas | 42 | 71,852 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | 55 | 71,945 |
| 45 | Utah | 42 | 76,332 |
| 46 | Texas | 341 | 85,032 |
| 47 | Georgia | 111 | 95,652 |
| 48 | Alabama | 51 | 96,141 |
| 49 | Louisiana | 40 | 116,220 |
| 50 | Mississippi | 14 | 212,582 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
