BALTIMORE, MD—A new study reveals that Maryland is the seventh most takeout-obsessed state in the U.S.

The study, conducted by consumer trend experts at the online discount platform Wethrift, reviewed the number of takeout establishments, Google search metrics, Yelp ratings, and state takeout spending data to uncover the top states where residents prefer to order takeout.

Maryland ranks as the seventh most takeout-obsessed state, with a takeout obsession score of 64.24.
The state has 88.49 takeout establishments per 100,000 residents, reflecting its strong takeout culture.
Marylanders spend $4,565 annually on takeouts, highlighting their preference for quick and convenient meals.

The state’s takeout search volume reaches 12,770.32 per 100,000 residents, demonstrating a significant demand for takeout options.

“Maryland’s thriving takeout culture is a testament to its diverse food scene and the convenience that residents value,” says Nick Drewe, consumer trend expert and CEO at Wethrift. “Whether it’s grabbing iconic crab cakes from Faidley’s Seafood or indulging in an array of international cuisines, Marylanders have integrated takeout into their everyday lives. The state’s impressive takeout spending reflects the importance placed on high-quality and convenient dining.”

“Takeout allows Marylanders to explore different flavors without the hassle of cooking, making it an essential part of their busy lifestyles,” Drewe added. “The data shows that convenience and great food are top priorities for the state’s residents, cementing Maryland’s position as a top takeout state.”

To determine the takeout capitals of the United States, Wethrift conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from multiple authoritative sources.

The number of takeout establishments per state was sourced from the United States Census Bureau’s most recent data set. Using Google Keyword Planner, Wethrift analyzed the search volume for 14 takeout-specific keywords across all 50 states, while also considering 10 home-cooking related keywords as negative variables. Average takeout restaurant ratings were obtained by sampling all registered takeout restaurants on Yelp for each state, and data on takeout spending per state was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

To ensure fair comparison, all metrics were standardized based on state populations using U.S. Census Bureau data. The variables were then normalized using min-max normalization to ensure equal impact on the final score. The overall takeout obsession score for each state was calculated by summing the normalized values of positive variables while subtracting the normalized values of home-cooking related searches.

The Top 10 Most Takeout-Obsessed States

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