The Best States for Pickleball Players, Ranked
Last Edited
Nov 25 2024
Category
News
Pickleball is booming across the United States...which, according to the latest SFIA research, is actually an understatement. But where does it thrive the most in North America?
Based on the latest research from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), we’ve ranked the top states and cities for pickleball players:
Top 5 States for Total Pickleball Courts
Florida
The Sunshine State reigns supreme with the most pickleball courts in the country. From Naples—home to the U.S. Open of Pickleball—to emerging hotspots like Tampa & St. Petersburg, Florida’s commitment to pickleball is unmatched.
Year-round play in enviable weather is helpful, too.
California
The Golden State holds second place, offering an impressive range of indoor and outdoor courts. While metro areas like San Diego are finally catching up, smaller hubs are paving the way with high-quality facilities.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the pickleball scene.
Austin, Houston, and Dallas are all expanding quickly, with Austin seeing a 58% growth in facilities this year alone.
New York
Surprised? So were we. While NYC notably lags behind, upstate New York is a secret weapon.
The state’s 42% year-over-year growth in facilities proves there’s more to New York than its urban sprawl.
Ohio
Ohio jumped from 8th to 5th in just one year, thanks to a 42% increase in pickleball facilities.
Cities like Cincinnati are leading the charge with massive facility investments, including year-round indoor play options.
We were intrigued by Ohio cracking the top 5 here instead of, say, Utah or Arizona, where pickleball is practically baked into those states' cultures.
This goes to show that there are many areas of the country where pickleball interest may surpass that of Ohio or any of the above cities, but their local planning boards and entrepreneurs haven't matched pace with construction plans.
Top Cities by Courts Per Capita
For those who value quality over quantity, these cities dominate the pickleball per capita rankings.
Bend, Oregon
With nearly seven courts per 10,000 residents, Bend is a pickleball paradise. It’s six times the national average, making it the ultimate destination for court density enthusiasts.
Goodyear, Arizona
Nestled in the Phoenix metro area, Goodyear combines warm weather with ample pickleball opportunities, making it a must-visit for snowbirds.
Surprise, Arizona
Another Arizona gem, Surprise caters to players of all levels with its mix of community courts and private facilities.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Known for its pristine courts and vibrant pickleball community, PSL is a shining star in Florida’s pickleball constellation.
Roseville, California
This Sacramento-area city rounds out the list with a strong focus on accessible, high-quality courts.
While states like Florida and California lead in sheer numbers, smaller states and cities are making waves by prioritizing court density and community support.
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