Top five states for beer production and taproom consumption

A report sent our way from Steve Ballmer’s not-for-profit, USAFacts, explored the intricate relationship between beer production and its substantial impact on the American economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that American breweries employed 94,107 people in 2021, a 238% increase since 2001, and the Census Bureau estimated annual brewery payroll at $3.4 billion in 2020. The number of breweries in the US increased by more than ten-fold since 2008 — and most are small businesses. Beer production also impacts other industries, particularly agriculture — the Department of Agriculture estimates the economic value of hops grown for beer at $662 million.

In 2022, breweries in the US contributed over $2.7 billion in federal tax revenue, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). That revenue is more than double the federal taxes on domestic and imported wine ($1.1 billion). American breweries produced almost 174 million barrels of beer in 2022 (just shy of 5.5 billion gallons) according to TTB reports.

All nice fun facts, but the people came for lists, Steve!

• In 2022, Colorado emerged as the reigning champion in total beer production, pushing out an impressive 20,657,186 barrels.
• California secured the first spot in the nation for beer production for taproom consumption, pouring out 13,690 barrels in that same year. In 2022, Vermont had 7.3 breweries per 100,000 people, the most in the US.
• During the first quarter of 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Vermont breweries account for 523 jobs supplying over $5.4 million in employee wages.

What states produce the most amount of beer, 2022?

1. Colorado produced 20,657,186 barrels
2. Texas produced 19,274,256 barrels
3. Ohio produced 17,503,393 barrels
4. Virginia produced 14,271,028 barrels
5. California produced 14,139,689 barrels

Where do Americans drink the most beer inside breweries, 2022?

1. California – 13,690 barrels of beer produced for taproom consumption
2. Texas – 8,974 barrels of beer produced for taproom consumption
3. Colorado – 8,109 barrels of beer produced for taproom consumption
4. Florida – 7,666 barrels of beer produced for taproom consumption
5. New York – 7,557 barrels of beer produced for taproom consumption

Which states have the most breweries per 100,000 people, 2021?

1. Vermont – 7.26 breweries per 100k people
2. Montana – 6.60 breweries per 100k people
3. Maine – 5.88 breweries per 100k people
4. Alaska – 4.36 breweries per 100k people
5. New Hampshire – 3.82 breweries per 100k people