Michigan ranks in the top-five for pumpkin production in the U.S. according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. In 2021, Michigan was the fifth-leading producer of pumpkins with 89 million pounds grown.
About 40 percent of pumpkin acres are harvested in only six states, including Michigan.
By acreage and weight, Illinois is consistently the Nation’s largest pumpkin producer. Illinois leads all states with a whopping 652 million pounds of pumpkins produced in 2021. Unlike all other States, most of Illinois’ pumpkins are used for pie filling and processed for other food uses.
Indiana ranks second with 181 million pounds of pumpkins produced. California follows in third with 157 million pounds. Texas grew 108 million pounds, and Virginia grew 82 million pounds.
Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween. In the third week of October 2022, the average retail price for jack-o’-lantern style pumpkins was $5.07 per pumpkin, up two percent compared to the same week in 2021.
