New Study Reveals the Best Pizza States in the US — and New Hampshire Takes the Crown

New study reveals which US states serve the best pizza, according to price, quality, and slice availability

Few foods can unite Americans quite like pizza. Whether it’s New York’s foldable slices, Chicago’s deep-dish indulgence, or a wood-fired creation from a small-town joint, pizza is woven into the nation’s culinary identity.

The U.S. eats an estimated 3 billion pizzas a year or roughly 350 slices every second, according to the National Association of Pizzeria Operators. It’s a comfort food, a celebration meal, and a midnight snack all rolled into one cheesy, saucy masterpiece.

A new study by Maine Lobster Now has revealed which states are truly living their best pizza life. The analysis ranked all 50 states based on pizzerias per 100,000 residents, average pizza prices, and the share of online reviews mentioning “great pizza.”

New Hampshire crowned the pizza king

Taking the top spot is New Hampshire, scoring an impressive 77.38 overall. The Granite State leads the nation with 73.3 pizzerias per 100,000 residents, meaning you’ll never be far from a fresh slice. With an average pizza price of $15.82, locals enjoy both quality and value, while 21.84% of reviews specifically highlight “great pizza.” The balance of affordability and passion for good food has made New Hampshire a surprising yet well-deserved champion. Perhaps it’s the influence of nearby Italian-American hubs like Boston that’s helped spread great pizza culture across New England.

Idaho and Maryland take the next slices

In second place is Idaho, which might not be the first state that comes to mind for pizza, but maybe it should be. Scoring 61.00 overall, Idaho impresses with 26.73% of reviews praising its pizza, one of the highest satisfaction rates in the country. Despite having fewer pizzerias (32.66 per 100K) and a slightly higher average price of $17.13, the state’s emphasis on quality ingredients and local flavors has clearly struck a chord with residents.

Maryland rounds out the top three with a score of 59.24, proving that East Coast flavor extends well beyond New York and New Jersey. Maryland pizzas average $16.16, and an impressive 27.57% of reviews label them as “great.” From Baltimore’s creative brick-oven spots to small coastal eateries, Marylanders clearly know their dough.

New York still delivers, but at a cost

Despite being home to arguably the most iconic pizza in the world, New York lands in fourth place with a score of 57.80. Its 19.16 pizzerias per 100,000 people are fewer than you’d expect, but nearly 30% of reviews mention “great pizza,” the highest in the nation. The downside? The average price of $18.37, among the priciest in the top 10. Still, from Brooklyn’s coal-fired institutions to Manhattan’s dollar-slice joints, New York’s pizza scene remains unmatched in history and influence.

Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma, Maine, Washington, and Oregon round out the top 10

Kentucky ranks fifth overall (53.91) thanks to its solid mix of affordability and enthusiasm, with 31.6 pizzerias per 100K, $17.10 average price, and 24.07% of reviews calling pizza great. It’s proof that even in the heart of bourbon country, people know how to make a mean pie.

In sixth, Montana earns points for density (45.5 pizzerias per 100K, third-highest nationally), though the $19.56 price tag is on the steep side. Still, locals don’t mind paying for quality, especially in cozy mountain towns where pizza nights are a community tradition.

Oklahoma takes seventh place (50.85), offering 26.91 pizzerias per 100K, a $16.73 average price, and strong customer approval (23.79% of reviews). Its blend of affordability and satisfaction gives it a well-earned spot in the top ranks.

Maine, the home state of the study’s authors, comes eighth (48.58) with 34.23 pizzerias per 100K and one of the most affordable average prices at $15.90. Despite only 20.34% of reviews mentioning “great pizza,” the sheer number of options keeps locals happy.

Washington ranks ninth (47.98). Though pizza there costs a steep $25.75 on average, the state boasts strong pizza enthusiasm, with 26.06% of reviews giving glowing praise. Finally, Oregon rounds out the top ten (47.12) with an impressive 50.15 pizzerias per 100K, proving that the Pacific Northwest knows a thing or two about the art of the slice.

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