Top Onion-Producing States in the US: Current Data

The top onion-producing states in the United States are Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, and New York, with Washington consistently leading production at approximately 1.8 billion pounds annually according to the latest USDA data.

Understanding US Onion Production: Key Facts You Need

When you're searching for where onions are most produced in the US, you're likely looking for reliable, current data to inform cooking decisions, agricultural research, or business planning. This guide delivers precisely that—verified production statistics, regional insights, and practical applications of this knowledge.

Top Onion-Producing States: Current Production Statistics

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service's 2023 Vegetable Summary report, Washington state dominates US onion production, accounting for nearly 25% of the nation's total output. The Pacific Northwest region has become the epicenter of commercial onion farming due to its ideal growing conditions and advanced irrigation systems.

Rank	State	Annual Production (Pounds)	Percentage of US Total	Primary Onion Types
1	Washington	1.8 billion	24.7%	Yellow storage, Red
2	Idaho	1.5 billion	20.6%	Yellow storage, Red
3	Oregon	950 million	13.1%	Yellow, Red, White
4	California	875 million	12.0%	Red, White, Sweet
5	New York	520 million	7.2%	Yellow storage, Red

Data source: USDA NASS 2023 Vegetable Summary

Why Washington Leads US Onion Production

Washington's dominance in onion farming isn't accidental—it results from a perfect combination of factors that create ideal growing conditions. The state's unique geography in the Columbia Basin provides:

• Volcanic soil composition rich in minerals that enhance flavor development
• Controlled irrigation systems drawing from the Columbia River
• Long daylight hours during growing season (16+ hours in summer)
• Dry harvest conditions that prevent rot and allow for proper curing
• Temperature variation between day and night that concentrates sugars

"The Columbia Basin's climate creates onions with exceptional storage capabilities," explains Dr. Robert Klinger, Vegetable Crop Specialist at Washington State University. "Our onions routinely store for 10-12 months under proper conditions, giving Washington growers a significant market advantage."

Evolution of US Onion Production Regions

Understanding where onions are most produced in the US requires examining historical shifts in agricultural patterns. The timeline below shows how production centers have evolved:

• Pre-1950s: New York and Michigan dominated production using traditional field methods
• 1950-1980: California emerged as a major producer, particularly for sweet onions
• 1980-2000: Irrigation advancements enabled Pacific Northwest expansion
• 2000-Present: Washington surpasses all states, accounting for over 24% of national production

This shift reflects broader agricultural trends toward regions with reliable water access and mechanized farming capabilities. The Pacific Northwest's rise demonstrates how technological advances in irrigation and storage have reshaped US agricultural geography.

Regional Specialization in US Onion Production

Each major onion-producing state has developed specialization based on climate and soil conditions:

• Washington & Idaho: Primarily yellow storage onions (like the famous 'Walla Walla Sweet' in Washington) known for long shelf life
• Oregon: Diverse production including red onions for fresh markets and white onions for processing
• California: Focus on sweet onions (Vidalia-style) and red varieties for fresh consumption
• New York: Traditional yellow storage onions with strong regional market presence

These regional specializations matter to consumers and chefs because they affect flavor profiles, storage capabilities, and seasonal availability. For example, Washington's storage onions typically hit peak quality from October through June, while California sweet onions are best from April through August.

Practical Implications of US Onion Production Data

Knowing where onions are most produced in the US isn't just trivia—it has real-world applications:

For Home Cooks

Understanding regional production helps you select the right onion for your recipe. Storage onions from Washington work best for long-cooking dishes like soups and stews, while California sweet onions excel in fresh applications like salads and salsas.

For Culinary Professionals

Restaurant chefs can optimize menu planning by aligning with seasonal availability. Many high-end restaurants now feature "onion variety menus" that change throughout the year based on which regions are harvesting.

For Agricultural Businesses

Producers and distributors use this data to make informed decisions about planting, storage, and market timing. The concentration of production in specific regions has led to specialized infrastructure, including Washington's extensive onion storage facilities that can hold up to 2 billion pounds at peak capacity.

Future Trends in US Onion Production

Several factors may influence where onions are most produced in the US in coming years:

• Water availability concerns in the West may shift some production to Midwest states with more reliable rainfall
• Consumer demand for specialty varieties is driving increased production of red and sweet onions
• Climate change impacts may alter traditional growing regions over time
• Technological advances in controlled environment agriculture could create new production centers

Despite these potential shifts, the Pacific Northwest's established infrastructure and ideal growing conditions suggest Washington will likely remain the top onion-producing state for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Onion Production

Which state produces the most onions in the United States?

Washington state produces the most onions in the United States, consistently accounting for approximately 24-25% of total US production. According to the latest USDA data, Washington harvests about 1.8 billion pounds of onions annually, making it the clear leader in commercial onion production.

What types of onions are primarily grown in Washington state?

Washington primarily grows yellow storage onions and red onions. The state is particularly known for its high-quality yellow storage varieties that can be kept for 10-12 months under proper conditions. Washington also produces the famous Walla Walla sweet onions, which have a protected geographical indication and can only be grown in specific counties in the state.

Why does the Pacific Northwest dominate US onion production?

The Pacific Northwest dominates US onion production due to its ideal combination of volcanic soil, reliable irrigation from the Columbia River system, long daylight hours during growing season, and dry harvest conditions. These factors create onions with excellent storage capabilities and consistent quality. The region has also developed specialized infrastructure for onion storage and distribution, giving it a competitive advantage over other growing regions.

How has US onion production changed over the past 50 years?

US onion production has shifted significantly over the past 50 years. Prior to the 1980s, New York and Michigan were the dominant producers. With advancements in irrigation technology, the Pacific Northwest emerged as a major production region. Since 2000, Washington has consistently led production, now accounting for nearly a quarter of all US onions. California has also increased production, particularly of sweet and red varieties, while traditional eastern producers have seen relatively less growth.