As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, pumpkins fill grocery stores, farm stands and front porches across the country.
Pumpkins are grown in every state, but five — Illinois, California, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania — accounted for nearly three-quarters of the nation’s pumpkin production in 2025, according to annual data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Farmers grow pumpkins for two main markets: fresh pumpkins sold for Halloween decorations, fall displays or cooking, and pumpkins grown for processing into canned pumpkin, purées, and other foods.
U.S. farmers harvested enough to provide about 4.3 pounds per American in 2025. Even so, total production was 7% below the average production during the 2022-24 years.
Illinois led the nation in pumpkin acreage harvested and yield, producing slightly more than the other four productive states combined.
Much of Illinois’ pumpkin industry has historical ties to Morton, a village in Tazewell County where a canning plant opened in the 1920s, according to the village’s website.
The plant, now owned by Nestlé USA/Libby’s, supplies more than 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin market, earning Morton the nickname the ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World.’
But growing the most pumpkins doesn’t necessarily mean getting the highest price: Pennsylvania farmers received the highest average price, at $269 per 1,000 pounds, almost six times what Illinois farmers received.
The USDA says the difference partly reflects how pumpkins are sold. About 85% of U.S. pumpkin acreage was devoted to the fresh and ornamental market in 2022, according to the USDA. The remaining went into processing for food products, such as pumpkin purée. These pumpkins generally sell for less than those grown for the fresh market.
Illinois was an exception. Nearly 7 out of 10 of its pumpkin acreage was devoted to processing, which helps explain why farmers there received the lowest average prices.
Data Harvest (formerly Graphic of the Week) is Investigate Midwest’s way of making complex agricultural data easy to understand. Through engaging graphics, charts, and maps, we break down key trends to help readers quickly grasp the forces shaping farming, food systems, and rural communities. Want us to explore other data trends? Let us know here.
