The Best U.S. States for a Backyard BBQ

By Samantha O'Rourke

Nothing says summer quite like the smell of burgers on the grill, the crisp of an ice cold beer and the sparkle of fireworks lighting up the night sky. But depending on where you live, pulling off the perfect backyard BBQ can either be a summer breeze — or a sizzling challenge.

To settle the debate, we dug into the data to rank which states serve up the best conditions for a legendary summer cookout. We looked at the essentials: how much you’ll spend on classic staples like burgers and beer, local regulations on residential fireworks, how cooperative the weather is (think: humidity, heat and rainfall) and even how much space you have to fire up the grill and host your crew.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just love a good backyard hang, this report will clue you in on where the ultimate BBQ vibes live.

Tennessee Tops the Ranks for Backyard BBQs

To determine where summer sizzles best, we ranked states on everything from burger and beer prices to fireworks laws, backyard space, climate and even mosquito count. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders lighting up the grill this season.

#1 Tennessee

Tennessee tops the list with an unbeatable mix of affordability, firework enthusiasm and climate comfort. With hamburgers averaging just $2.60 — one of the lowest in the country — and a reasonable beer cost, it’s a budget-friendly BBQ haven. But what really sets it apart is its explosive fireworks scene: $16.4 million in annual spending, which is a whopping 68% more than the average state. Add in mild precipitation, a solid UV index and low mosquito presence, and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect outdoor party.

#2 Kansas

Kansas earns the runner-up spot with standout scores in both comfort and cost. The Sunflower State is practically bite-free, hosting only two mosquito species — the fewest among all 50 states. It also ranks high in fireworks spending and scores well for affordable beer (just $17.30 for the average case) and solid temperature conditions. Its moderate lawn sizes mean there’s plenty of room to spread out, fire up the grill and relax.

#3 Michigan

Michigan offers great value on both beer and burgers, totaling about $20.39, and ranks highly in terms of UV exposure and lawn size. Fireworks are legal and well-celebrated, with over $13 million spent annually. Despite slightly higher humidity, Michigan’s cool, manageable summer temperatures make it easy to enjoy long hours outdoors. With a high overall factor score across affordability, climate and party space, Michigan earns its place in the top three.

#4 Arizona

Arizona serves up a near-perfect climate for embracing the heat of backyard BBQs. With low humidity and an average summer temperature of 78.1°F, it’s one of the driest and sunniest places to grill. The state also boasts one of the lowest numbers of people per residential pool (14), giving partygoers plenty of chances to cool off between burgers — all of which makes Arizona a prime destination for laid-back, sun-soaked cookouts.

#5 Indiana

Indiana lands at #5 with solid scores across the board. Burgers and beer here run about $21.24 together, and the state is one of the most fireworks-friendly on the list, with over $20 million in annual spending. Alongside Michigan, Indiana is one of just 13 states where fireworks are fully legal for consumers.

Rounding out the rest of the top states are a mix of Midwest and Southern states that each bring something unique to the grill. Florida impresses with its unbeatable people-to-pool ratio and warm weather, while South Carolina and Missouri offer low beer prices and enthusiastic fireworks celebrations. Together, these states prove that whether you’re craving poolside burgers or wide-open backyard space, there’s no shortage of BBQ-ready spots across the country.

Check out the full dataset and how your state stacks up below.

Closing Thoughts

Whether your state tops the list or just missed the cut, the ingredients for a great backyard BBQ are within reach. From sizzling burgers to refreshing dips, every cookout is a chance to create memorable summer moments. What makes it even better? Being prepared with the right gear to keep your gathering fun, functional and unforgettable.

To help you host like a pro, 4imprint — the leader in promotional products — offers a wide selection of customizable BBQ and picnic items imprinted with your brand logo or message. From grill sets and cooler bags to drinkware and outdoor games, these branded essentials are perfect for everything from neighborhood block parties to company summer events.

With 4imprint, you can take your BBQ to the next level while creating a lasting impression for your brand.

Methodology

To determine the best U.S. states for a backyard BBQ we evaluated all 50 U.S. states on 12 different ranking factors that would impact backyard BBQ parties.

The factors were weighted based on their importance to backyard BBQs. Based on these weights, the individual factors were given scores from 0 to 5 and summed to reach a total score of 0 to 100 with 100 representing the most favorable conditions.

A full list of ranking factors, weights and sources can be found below: