The Top 7 U.S. States That Grow the Most Tobacco

7. South Carolina

Despite its proximity to the top tobacco-producing state, South Carolina produces the least amount of tobacco on this list. However, the production of this state still far exceeds the production of tobacco in most other states. In 2022, South Carolina produced over 11 million pounds of tobacco. This is hardly a drop in the bucket compared to North Carolina’s numbers, but that’s probably because their focus is elsewhere. South Carolina is a top producer of corn and cattle.

6. Georgia

Georgia only slightly beat out South Carolina with the production of tobacco in 2022 at over 12 million pounds. Though it’s in a good place for tobacco growth, Georgia cannot compete with its high-producing neighboring states. Instead, it boasts the title of number-one producer of peanuts which brings in over one billion dollars a year.

5. Pennsylvania

Surprisingly, this non-southern state beat out two states that would seem to have a more appropriate climate for tobacco production. In 2022, Pennsylvania grew and processed over 13 million pounds of tobacco. This is slightly less than years prior but is still on par with their regular production numbers.

Pennsylvania seems to be an odd state compared to the rest on this list to be one of the top producers of tobacco in the country, but the climate where most of the tobacco is grown is not much different than North Carolina’s. Tobacco requires at least a 60-day period without frost, and Lancaster County’s climate is in line with these requirements. The conditions are also dry which benefits the plant, making pests and diseases a less likely complication.

4. Virginia

The first tobacco companies opened in Virginia in 1730, predating the country’s official “birth”. Tobacco gave the state much of its successes and helped propel development and settlement.

Though they’re not anywhere near the scale in which North Carolina or Kentucky produces tobacco, they’re not far behind the third highest-producing state, Tennessee. In 2022 Virginia produced nearly 30 million pounds of tobacco.

3. Tennessee

The third highest-producing tobacco state in the United States produced just under 34 million pounds in 2022. Production is slightly more than in the past two years, showing a promising upward trend in production and revenue. However, this might be replaced by another crop: indigo. While Tennessee did see some improvements in tobacco production, the industry as a whole is declining. Many farmers in Tennessee have been looking for ways to transition their farmland into another productive crop. Indigo is a major source of color for dyeing, often used in denim.

2. Kentucky

Although production has taken a slight dip from 2021, in 2022 Kentucky saw over 96 million pounds of tobacco production. The crop was a main contributor to the state’s economy and continues to bring in significant revenue. This was not always the case, though. Originally, tobacco was a very intense crop to grow, requiring a lot of labor and not yielding a huge monetary return for the farmers. Many of the people who were responsible for tending the farm were young children, who, unfortunately, lost their lives to disease frequently from being out in the field.

1. North Carolina

North Carolina tops the ranks in the U.S. with its production and manufacturing of many tobacco products, honoring the industry that was able to help the state get its start. Even though this plant is not a native plant in North Carolina, that doesn’t stop it from being well-suited to the climate across the state.

In 2022, North Carolina produced 249 million pounds of tobacco. This is up 71 million pounds from 2020 and five million pounds from 2021. North Carolina has a long-running history with tobacco. It grew well in the area, unlike many other crops that could not thrive in sandy, dry soils. Multiple tobacco companies got their start in this state, where it continues to be a major source of revenue.