What State Spends the Most on Fireworks?

Few things get us as fired up as fireworks. Seriously, there's nothing quite like that first crackle in the sky on a warm summer night. We're the team behind Red Apple Fireworks, and every year we watch the same question light up the internet right along with the sky: which state spends the most money on fireworks?

From our experience running a fireworks business, the answer depends on whether you're counting total dollars or dollars per person, and the rankings shuffle around more than you'd expect. We went digging through the newest trade data, and honestly, we had a blast doing it.

Which State Spends the Most on Fireworks?

South Dakota now takes the crown for fireworks spending per resident, and what a show it puts on. Recent trade data shows South Dakota imported $11.4 million worth of fireworks last year, or $12.37 per person. Missouri came roaring in right behind at $11.67 per resident, with Kansas rounding out the top three at $5.53 per resident.

Here's a fun twist: Missouri actually held the crown as recently as 2024, importing a jaw-dropping $85.7 million, or $13.84 per person.

After putting it to the test ourselves by tracking pricing and demand across several seasons, we've found a state's ranking usually comes down to a mix of low population, relaxed fireworks laws, and a strong retail presence near state lines. It's a magic combination, and when it clicks, an entire state turns into one giant celebration.

Top 5 States That Spend on Fireworks

Ready to meet the states putting their money where their mouths are? These five bring the biggest boom for their buck, and each one has its own reason for topping the charts:

1. South Dakota

South Dakota tops the 2025 per capita rankings at $12.37 per resident, and we love that a smaller state is stealing the spotlight. Of all the states where fireworks are legal, its wide open spaces make backyard and small-town shows easy to pull off, and with a population under a million, it doesn't take a massive dollar figure to post the top number in the country. Small state, big boom.

2. Missouri

Missouri is the true heavyweight champion of American fireworks spending, and it has earned every ounce of that reputation. It led the nation in per capita imports for years before South Dakota snuck past it, and it still leads among traditional fireworks states in raw dollars. That's Missouri for you: fireworks-friendly to its core, and we love it.

3. Kansas

Kansas ranks third nationally at $5.53 per resident, and Kansans clearly are not shy about celebrating. Kansas has long traded places with Nebraska for third, depending on the year, but it consistently lands near the top of the leaderboard.

Unlike Missouri, Kansas doesn't set a statewide window for when fireworks can be shot off, leaving that call to individual cities and counties. More freedom means more fireworks, and we're always thrilled to see that.

4. Nebraska

Nebraska has been a fixture near the top for years, and we cheer every time it shows up. It ranked second nationally back in 2018 at $5.86 per resident, and it's still grouped among the top import states today. With years in the industry, we've noticed Nebraska tends to track closely with Missouri and Kansas, since all three share open land and relaxed regulation. The heartland simply knows how to throw a party.

5. Ohio

Ohio doesn't always grab headlines like its Midwestern neighbors, but trust us, it more than earns its spot here. Ohioans spent over $39 million on fireworks in 2024, or about $3.37 per person, ranking ninth nationally per capita and second overall in total dollars imported behind Missouri.

Ohio's fireworks retailers got squeezed hard by tariffs last year, with rising costs eating into margins across the state. Even with that pressure, Ohio keeps showing up big, and we're rooting for an even bigger comeback next season.

Want to know more about the legal side of fireworks? Check out our guides on can you light fireworks in a park and how much is the fine for illegal fireworks.

Conclusion

So, what state spends the most on fireworks? Right now, it's South Dakota by a hair, with Missouri close behind and Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio all putting on a heck of a show, too.

From our experience in this business, these rankings will keep shuffling year after year as tariffs and population changes reshuffle the deck. What never changes is the excitement. Americans love lighting up the sky every summer, and we love being part of that tradition.

Grab your own stash of fireworks from Red Apple Fireworks and add a little extra sparkle to your next celebration. We've got everything you need to make your own backyard the best show in town!