See how much people in Washington spend on fireworks
Fireworks on the Fourth of July date all the way back all the way to the nation's founding. On July 2, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife that signing the Declaration of Independence—which would happen in two days—should be met with celebrations that included "illuminations," the 18th-century word for "fireworks." The pyrotechnic marvels have illuminated the skies ever since.
In the modern-day U.S., consumer fireworks are a $1 billion dollar business. Most of that consumption occurs right around the Fourth of July—and in all states but one (Massachusetts), some types of fireworks are legal to buy. Several states have additional restrictions on airborne fireworks, but allow sparklers and other, less powerful fireworks.
Americans' love of fireworks isn't limited to Independence Day, though: "Display fireworks," which are used in commercial displays rather than set off by consumers, amounted to $262 million in revenue in 2021. Even in states in which consumer fireworks are tightly regulated, fireworks shows still happen regularly at sporting events, festivals, and concerts.
In celebration of fireworks going boom this Fourth of July, Stacker ranked the states spending the most on fireworks per resident, with data drawn from imports to the state per capita based on data from the Trade Census and Census Intercensal estimates. Fireworks and population data was calculated from 2008 to 2021. Some states and regions without historical data available were dropped in the national story including Alaska, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
States across the country saw a massive uptick in the number of fireworks being purchased and set off—often recklessly and illegally—during the pandemic, and total sales are only expected to grow. This article includes data through 2021.
Read on to find out how much your state spends on fireworks, or check out the national story to see which state spends a whopping $13.36 per resident on fireworks and which states only spend pennies per person.
Washington by the numbers
- Per capita spending on fireworks in 2021: $2.32
- Per capita spending on fireworks in 2008: $1.22
--- Change from 2008-2021: 90.7% spending increase
States that tightly regulate fireworks have a solid rationale: exploding things can be dangerous. ValuePenguin reports a 538% spike in injuries on July 4 compared to the third. In 2019, people under the age of 20 made up 42% of fireworks injuries resulting in a trip to the emergency room, and 32% of emergency room injuries were children under the age of 10 years old. Even sparklers pose threats, as they reach extremely hot temperatures and cause burns to children every year. There are some key steps to keeping everyone safe: don't let kids near the fireworks, keep cold water on hand, and don't go anywhere near any airborne fireworks after they've been lit; even if they appear to be dormant, throw water on them first just in case.
Wondering which states spend the most and least on fireworks? Keep reading below to find out.
States spending the most on fireworks
#1. Missouri: $13.36 spent on fireworks per capita
#2. South Dakota: $10.87 spent on fireworks per capita
#3. Kansas: $8.08 spent on fireworks per capita
#4. Alabama: $6.69 spent on fireworks per capita
#5. South Carolina: $6.57 spent on fireworks per capita
States spending the least on fireworks
#1. Massachusetts: $0.01 spent on fireworks per capita
#2. North Carolina: $0.02 spent on fireworks per capita
#3. Minnesota: $0.03 spent on fireworks per capita
#4. New Jersey: $0.07 spent on fireworks per capita
#5. Virginia: $0.11 spent on fireworks per capita
