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Pumpkin Production in the United States

Exploring the diversity of pumpkin farming across the United States and Pennsylvania

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Updated:

September 9, 2025

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Pumpkins. Credit: Claudia Schmidt

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Based on 2022 Agricultural Census data, pumpkin production in the United States shows diversity in both scale and the number of agricultural operations. Pumpkin harvesting typically begins in early fall, with the peak season occurring from September through October, depending on the region and variety. Illinois, the "pumpkin state", dominates in terms of acres harvested, with 18,777 acres, far surpassing other states like Indiana (7,017 acres) and Texas (6,353 acres).

Map of US showing the number of pumpkin acres harvested per state — Source: NASS Agricultural Census (2022)

However, when it comes to the number of agricultural operations earning income from pumpkin production, New York leads with 1,170 operations, followed closely by Pennsylvania with 1,148 and Michigan with 1,046. Illinois, despite being the top producer by acreage, ranks sixth in the number of operations, at 645, having larger-scale pumpkin farms. States like New York and Pennsylvania have a more fragmented production landscape with smaller operations spread across fewer acres. These contrasts highlight the variation in pumpkin farming approaches across regions, from large-scale production hubs to smaller, widely distributed operations. One of the most significant trends with today's pumpkin farms is the shift toward agritourism. For many smaller farms, the profit is in the entire experience of visiting the farm.

Map of the US showing the number of pumpkin operations by state — Source: NASS Agricultural Census (2022)

Pumpkin farms in the Northeast, particularly in states like New York and Pennsylvania, are leveraging their smaller-scale operations to connect directly with consumers through direct-to-consumer sales and agritourism. These farms utilize their pumpkin patches as local fall destinations, offering activities such as hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pick-your-own pumpkin experiences, and pumpkin cannons, complemented by other fall activities.

Pumpkin area harvested by county — Source: NASS Agricultural Census (2022)

In Pennsylvania, Lancaster County stands out as the leading hub for pumpkin production, with 980 acres harvested and an impressive 212 pumpkin operations—more than triple the number in the next highest county, York, which has 62 operations. Chester County ranks third with 53 operations. Beyond Lancaster, Franklin County follows with 338 acres, while Snyder County contributes 295 acres.