Which State Annually Spends The Most on Alcohol

Gulf Shores News Staff • December 31, 2025

You may be surprised where Alabama ranks

Which State drinks the most per person

New Year's Eve is known for drinking, fireworks and a fresh start. So how much alcohol is consumed by the average adult resident in each state? Is Alabama on the top of the list? You may be surprised by the result of a recent poll.


The beaches of Alabama are famous for their waterfront watering holes and when tourist are on vacation their schedule might include visiting a few spots. But does that may not be the trend during the rest of the year.


Last year, Americans spent $228 billion on alcoholic beverages for private consumption, with the average adult spending $898 each. Social, economic, work, geography  and many other reasons can contribute to the reason a person consumes alcoholic beverages.


With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked the 50 states based on the one-year change in per capita expenditure on alcohol across adults. You may be surprised that Alabama ranked in the top 10 for LOWEST spending per-capita alcohol purchases, well below the national average. The top areas for alcohol spending in the U.S. seem to be in northern states.


Alcohol Sales By State

So where does Alabama rank? The Yellowhammer State is actually 41st in the nation when it comes to alcohol spending. The study found that Alabamians spent an average of $754.48 per person on alcohol. Utah, home of the Mormons, was the last on the list of alcohol spending.


The survey does not take into account how much alcohol a buck can buy in each area. A bottle in New York is going to be priced higher than many southern location.


As we endeavor into a new year just remember that taxis and ride shares are available in almost every Alabama town. Never drink and drive.

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