Pickleball Boom: Revealing the Top States For Playing The Sport

Unraveling the Pickleball Phenomenon: An In-Depth Analysis of the Sport's Explosive Growth, Dominance in Top US States, and the Underlying Factors Driving Its Unprecedented Popularity

Pickleball continues to captivate the United States with its addictive gameplay and inclusive nature. This article will delve into the top states fueling pickleball's meteoric rise, shedding light on the most fervent pickleball communities and uncovering the reasons behind the sport's remarkable expansion.

Florida

Florida, renowned for its idyllic beaches, abundant sunshine, and dynamic lifestyle, has wholeheartedly adopted pickleball as a favourite pastime. The World Sports Network reports that the Sunshine State saw a staggering 236% growth in pickleball demand last year, making Florida the frontrunner in pickleball enthusiasm.

Despite being home to 633 pickleball courts, Florida ranks only 33rd in terms of courts per capita, highlighting the pressing need for additional facilities to accommodate the ever-increasing interest. Gainesville emerges as a pickleball epicentre, experiencing a phenomenal 750% surge in popularity. Deerfield Beach and Kissimmee trail closely with impressive 600% and 467% increases, respectively.

South Carolina

Hot on Florida's heels is South Carolina, where pickleball's allure is spreading at an astonishing pace. The Palmetto State boasts 109 courts, securing the 9th position nationwide in courts per capita. Charleston paves the way with a 420% spike in pickleball enthusiasm, while Summerville follows closely with a 400% upswing.

Rhode Island

Don't underestimate Rhode Island's passion for pickleball due to its diminutive size. The smallest state in the US has developed a rapidly growing appetite for the sport. Currently home to just 33 courts, the Ocean State has seen a 200% increase in pickleball demand within the past year.

Rhode Island's limited land availability may present a challenge in fulfilling the rising demand for pickleball facilities. Nevertheless, the state's residents demonstrate that size is no obstacle when it comes to their zeal for the sport.

The Undeniable Allure of Pickleball 

As Pickleball continues to sweep the nation, Florida, South Carolina, and Rhode Island stand out as the states where the sport's appeal has reached unprecedented levels. The growing demand for courts and facilities attests to pickleball's irresistible charm, and it's evident that the sport is here to stay. Whether you're a seasoned player or an intrigued novice, now is the perfect time to pick up a paddle and join the pickleball craze!

The accompanying table from Ace That Pickle highlights the top 20 states based on the percentage increase in courts per capita rankings. Additionally, the table includes the number of courts per capita for each state and the popularity of courts, defined as the proportion of each state's population utilizing the courts.

1 Florida 236% 0.000028 

2 South Carolina 222% 0.000036 

3 Rhode Island 200% 0.000030 

4 District of Columbia 182% 0.000028 

5 New Mexico 182% 0.000035 

6 Arkansas 181% 0.000016 

7 Hawaii 177% 0.000056 

8 North Carolina 177% 0.000041 

9 Arizona 175% 0.000040 

10 New York 175% 0.000020 

11 Texas 175% 0.000018 

12 Alabama 156% 0.000020 

13 Delaware 143% 0.000032 

14 Ohio 140% 0.000034 

15 Virginia 140% 0.000039 

16 New Hampshire 136% 0.000032 

17 Alaska 133% 0.000051 

18 Mississippi 129% 0.000018 

19 Kansas 126% 0.000034 

20 Oklahoma 126% 0.000026

Florida leads the charge with a 236% increase in courts per capita rankings, followed closely by South Carolina's 222% rise. The District of Columbia and New Mexico are tied for the fourth-highest increase in rank, both witnessing a 182% growth in courts per capita.

Furthermore, the table showcases the popularity of courts in each state. Hawaii enjoys the highest court popularity, with 0.000056 of its population using the courts. Alaska follows suit with 0.000051 of its population utilizing the courts. In contrast, Arkansas has the lowest popularity, with a mere 0.000016 of its population engaging with the courts.