Pennsylvania Ranked Ninth in National Binge Drinking

The state saw a high rate of binge drinking in a recent analysis that ranked it among the top ten in the U.S.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing an empty glass and a green bottle on a wooden table, representing public health alcohol data. — Pennsylvania ranks as the ninth-highest state for binge drinking rates in the U.S., according to a new report from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do reports on high binge drinking rates in your state make you consider reducing alcohol intake?

Pennsylvania holds the ninth-highest binge drinking rate among U.S. states, according to a recent report. The analysis provides a new look at alcohol consumption trends across the nation.

Why it matters

Identifying states with higher binge drinking rates helps focus regional public health efforts on substance use prevention. Understanding these geographic differences is a key step in addressing alcohol-related health risks across the country.

The findings are based on an analysis of age-adjusted binge drinking rates derived from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The report identifies Pennsylvania as the state with the ninth-highest rate, while Iowa, North Dakota, and Montana occupy the top three positions.

The details

The study utilized the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an established tool for tracking health-related behaviors. By adjusting for age, researchers were able to create a standardized comparison of drinking patterns across the country to determine which states have the highest prevalence.

September 22, 2026: The report on binge drinking rates was published.

Health Landscape

This report utilizes the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the primary tool used to track health-related behaviors across all 50 states. It provides an updated look at how regional drinking patterns sit within the broader context of national substance use trends.

Binge drinking is associated with a variety of short-term and long-term health risks that are worth discussing with your primary care physician during routine checkups. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption, your doctor can provide resources and evidence-based screening tools.

The takeaway

Understanding your state's health data can provide context for the local health environment you navigate. It is always a good practice to track your own alcohol intake and speak with your physician about how it may affect your personal health and wellness goals.