Finding the Best Breweries: 15 Craft Beer Capitals of America | Homebase

There’s nothing quite like a city with a thriving craft beer scene, where every tap list is stacked, the IPAs are hazy, and the local brewers are practically celebrities. 

With nearly 10,000 craft breweries across the US today and craft beer sales making up nearly a quarter (24.7%) of the massive $117 billion US beer market, it’s clear that what started as a niche passion has exploded into a full-blown cultural (and economic) force. Some cities and states have crafted impressive reputations as home to the best breweries in the US, boosting local economies, attracting tourism, and fueling hometown pride.

To find out exactly where craft beer is thriving, we combined our own internal Homebase brewery data with external sources like BeerAdvocate and the Brewers Association.

We ranked US cities by brewery density to reveal where you’ll find the most breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents. Then, we zoomed out to the state level, scoring all 50 states based on brewery count, production volume, economic impact, and job growth in the brewing industry. Finally, Google Trends data helped us find the most popular breweries in every state and nationwide.

Whether you’re scouting your next beercation or just want to know if your hometown made the list, consider this your guide to the Craft Beer Capitals of America.

Key Takeways

• Portland, ME, is the most brewery-dense city in the U.S., with nearly 54 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents. Asheville, NC, ranks second, followed by Burlington, VT, in third.
• When it comes to the states where craft breweries are thriving most, Alaska claims the #1 spot thanks to a 14% year-over-year increase in brewery employment and strong per-capita production.
• Maine (#2), Vermont (#3), and Colorado (#6) also rank highly for their combination of brewery density, economic impact, and craft beer output.
• The Mountain West and Northeast dominate the rankings, with multiple cities and states from these regions topping the list of craft beer capitals.
• Nationally, brewery employment grew by 7.1% between 2023 and 2024, while total hours worked by brewery employees increased by 2.3%. 

Mapping the Most Brewery-Dense Cities in the US

These are the top 10 US cities with the most breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents:

1. Portland, ME – 53.73
2. Asheville, NC – 49.15
3. Burlington, VT – 35.46
4. Bend, OR – 31.47
5. Wilmington, DE – 27.74
6. Boulder, CO – 27.41
7. Fort Collins, CO – 27.14
8. Cincinnati, OH – 17.67
9. Charleston, SC – 17.53
10. Pittsburgh, PA – 17.20

Portland, ME, tops the list as America’s most brewery-dense city, packing 31 breweries into a population of just under 58,000 drinking-age residents. That shakes out to nearly 54 breweries for every 100,000 people, thanks to hometown heroes like Foundation Brewing Company and Allagash Brewing Company. 

Not far behind is Asheville, NC, where some of the best breweries in the US, like Wicked Weed, Burial Beer Co., and Hi-Wire Brewing, have helped the city reach 37 breweries and about 49 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents. Both cities prove that you don’t need a big population to build a big-time beer scene and a vibrant community.

The Northeast and Mountain West are pulling major weight in the craft beer scene. Vermont, Oregon, and Colorado all have a reputation for their independent spirit and love of the outdoors, which goes hand in hand with a thriving local brewery culture. 

Burlington, VT, lands in third place with over 35 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents, while Wilmington, DE, secures the fifth spot, giving the Mid-Atlantic its own bragging rights. Oregon is especially impressive, with three cities in the top 20: Bend (#4), Portland (#12), and Eugene (#15). Meanwhile, Colorado’s beer pride is on full display with Boulder (#6) and Fort Collins (#7) both cracking the top 10, a clear sign that the state’s passion for hops runs deep.

The Midwest isn’t missing out either. Cincinnati, OH, claims the number eight spot with nearly 18 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents, and Grand Rapids, MI, follows close behind at number 11 with almost 15 breweries per 100,000 adults. Down South, Charleston, SC, shines at number nine, solidifying Chucktown’s reputation as more than just a historic coastal city — it’s a craft beer destination in its own right. 

Finally, Pittsburgh, PA, rounds out the top 10, with about 17 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age adults and a lineup that includes fan favorites like Voodoo Brewing Co. and Dancing Gnome.

The States Where Craft Beer is Thriving

Nationally, brewery employment grew by 7.1% between 2023 and 2024, while total hours worked by brewery employees increased by 2.3%. What started as a niche industry is now big business in several states: craft beer is fueling jobs, boosting economies, and putting local breweries on the map. We pulled the numbers to reveal which states are leading the charge.

All 50 states were ranked based on five craft beer industry–related factors, including:

• Number of breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents
• Gallons of craft beer produced per drinking-age resident
• Economic impact per resident
• Year-over-year growth in brewery employment
• Year-over-year growth in hours worked by brewery employees 

Those metrics were combined into a final score out of 100, with higher scores pointing to states where the craft beer industry is growing the most.

Again, it’s areas in the West and Northeast leading the way. Alaska claims the top spot, thanks to a big year-over-year surge in brewery employees (+14%) between 2023 and 2024 and solid per-capita production numbers — 9.3 gallons of craft beer produced per drinking-age resident. 

Maine (#2) and Vermont (#3) — practically legends in the craft beer world — follow close behind, each boasting over 14 breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents, the highest totals in our study. Vermont and Maine also led the nation in economic impact from the brewery industry, with per capita contributions of $829.53 and $632.41, respectively, for every drinking-age adult.

Wyoming ranks fourth, seeing a 51% jump in brewery employee hours worked and a 41% increase in brewery employees between 2023 and 2024. Montana (#5) delivers one of the highest economic impacts per resident ($624.95) and boasts the third-highest number of breweries — 12 per 100,000 drinking-age residents.

Colorado clocks in at #6, with nearly 11 breweries for every 100,000 drinking-age residents and an industry that's still growing, with brewery employees logging 6% more hours year over year. 

Oregon isn’t far behind at #7, brewing up 8.5 gallons of craft beer per drinking-age resident and generating an impressive $612.32 economic impact per person — proof that its reputation as a craft beer paradise is well-earned.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania ranks eighth, thanks to a strong 9.9 gallons of craft beer produced per drinking-age resident and an economic impact of over $550 per person, making it clear that the Keystone State is brewing big things, too. 

Top Craft Breweries by State

Curious about which brewery is catching the most buzz in your state? We turned to Google Trends to find out. By tracking search interest for breweries across all 50 states over the past year, we identified the most searched brewery in every state.

A few fun standouts? In Delaware, the cult-favorite Dogfish Head is top searched, proving that experimental brews still have serious staying power. Out in Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is Bend’s pride and joy, pouring out some of the state’s highest-rated pale ales, stouts, and porters. 

Colorado keeps its craft beer crown secure with New Belgium Brewing Co. topping searches — no shock for the Fort Collins staple that’s practically synonymous with good beer. In the Lone Star State, Houston’s Saint Arnold Brewing Co. is giving Texans plenty to toast to, especially its seasonal fan favorite, Pumpkinator. 

In Georgia, New Realm Brewing Company is turning heads in Atlanta with bold, hop-forward IPAs and a rooftop beer garden that’s as popular as the pours.

Over in Kansas, Free State Brewing Co. is a Lawrence legend, known for small-batch classics like Ad Astra Amber Ale. And in Indiana, Upland Brewing Co. is making waves for its bold sours, carving out a spot in the Midwest’s beer scene with creative, fruit-forward brews that rank it among the top breweries in the US. 

Whether it’s big national names like Kona Brewing in Hawaii or local heroes like The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte, North Carolina, these top breweries aren’t just satisfying thirsty customers — they’re capturing the online curiosity of beer fans across the country.

Brewery Spotlight

We’re spotlighting Bevel Craft Brewing in Bend, OR—ranked the fourth-biggest craft beer city in our study based on brewery density. Bevel uses Homebase and gave us an inside look at what makes Bend’s craft beer scene so dynamic. From local events to behind-the-bar favorites, here’s what Valarie Doss, owner of Bevel, had to say about brewing culture in their hometown.

Bevel Craft Brewing - Bend, OR

If you could describe your city's craft brewery scene in 3 words, which would you choose and why?

“Adventurous. Community-driven. Passionate. Bend’s breweries, like Bevel Craft Brewing, are fueled by creativity and a shared love for craft beer. The community shows up for each release, event, and collaboration—making it clear that beer is more than a beverage here, it’s a way of life.”

Why should travelers and beer lovers visit your city's craft breweries?

“Bend is home to several breweries, each offering its own vibe—from chill neighborhood spots to vibrant outdoor patios. Whether you're chasing bold IPAs, crisp lagers, or funky sours, there’s a perfect place to land. The Bend Ale Trail, run by Visit Bend, is a fun, self-guided way to experience them all.”

Is the craft brewery scene in your city growing? And if so, how?

“Absolutely. New breweries continue to pop up while established ones evolve with fresh releases and creative events. Bend breweries regularly bring home world-renowned awards from top beer competitions, proving that this town continues to raise the bar. 

This year, the scene is shining even brighter with the launch of Bend Brews and Beyond, a large beer festival happening Memorial Day weekend that brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the best of Bend’s brewing culture.”

What makes your city's craft brewery scene so unique?

“It’s the diversity and passion of the craft. Every brewery in Bend has a different feel, like the disc golf culture at Bevel or live music at others, so everyone can find a place that fits their vibe. Paired with our supportive community, love for the outdoors, and events like Bend Brews and Beyond, it creates a beer scene that’s truly one of a kind.”

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, craft beer isn’t just about great hops and clever names — it’s about local businesses pouring life into their communities. From small towns with a surprising number of taprooms to powerhouse states where brewery jobs and production are on the rise, this study reveals the true brewery capitals of America and some of the best breweries in the US.

About Homebase

Founded in 2014, Homebase has been supporting small businesses across North America for the last decade. Today, more than 100,000 small (but mighty) businesses rely on Homebase to hire, schedule, manage, and pay their hourly teams. In 2024 alone, Homebase saw 3.8 million workers log more than 275 million shifts within our platform. Homebase has become a vital partner for small businesses over the last decade, helping them make work radically easier and getting business owners back to doing (or brewing) what they love! 

When it comes to supporting and growing local breweries, Homebase CEO John Waldmann had this to say: "Breweries aren't just serving up great beer; they serve up a place to gather with friends, experiences to share in new cities, and a sense of community for millions. With brewery employment growing by 7.1% in the past year alone, these small businesses are proving they're not just cultural anchors. They're economic engines for their communities. From coast to coast, we're proud to serve many of the nation's leading breweries as they bring people together over a shared passion for craft beer."

If you're a brewery owner or team member and want to see what we're all about, you can sign up and get started in less than five minutes.

Methodology

To find the biggest craft beer cities based on density, our analysis began with a list of 70 of America’s most beer-centric cities, identified by BeerAdvocate. To determine the number of breweries in each city, we aggregated our internal Homebase brewery data with external listings from BeerAdvocate, Brewers Association, and CraftBeer.com. Homebase brewery data includes more than 2,500 breweries and 57,000 brewery employees nationwide. We then compared the brewery count to each city's 21+ U.S. Census Bureau population to calculate the number of breweries per 100,000 drinking-age residents.

Next, to identify the states where the brewery industry is thriving most, we ranked each state based on five brewery industry-related factors. Each state’s performance was then indexed across all five factors to create a final ranking score (out of 100), with higher scores indicating stronger craft beer presence per capita and growth.

The state ranking factors and their respective sources are as follows:

Ranking Factor

Source

Number of Breweries (Per 100K Drinking-Age Residents)

Brewers Association 

Gallons of Craft Beer Produced (Per Drinking-Age Resident)

Brewers Association

Economic Impact (Per Resident)

Brewers Association

Percentage Year-over-Year Change in the Number of Brewery Employees

Homebase internal data

Percentage Year-over-Year Change in Hours Worked by Brewery Employees

Homebase internal data

Lastly, to find the most popular craft brewery in each state, we used Google Trends data over the past 12 months to compare the search volume for breweries with the top-rated beers in each state, which were sourced from BeerAdvocate. We used search interest as an indicator of popularity.