A NEW STUDY SHOWS WHAT STATES ARE SHOPPING ONLINE AND WHICH AREN’T

by Brett Edward Stout Apr 30, 2025



A new research study conducted by GoBolt reveals which states have the highest online shopping spending. The study analyzed eCommerce revenue per capita across all states to reveal online shopping habits. It might seem obvious that Hawaii would top the list, with residents spending an average of $24,425 per person annually online. Hawaii, by its nature, is accustomed to importing nearly all consumables, including food. Their eCommerce spending is 571% above the national average of $3,639. Online retailers’ estimated annual revenue in Hawaii is $28.2 billion, with $976.98 generated in eCommerce taxes per capita.

Other stand-outs include New Hampshire residents which placed second, spending $4,272 per capita on online purchases, which is 17% above the U.S. average. Online retailers generate $4.95 billion in annual revenue in the state, which has no retail tax.

Top 10 states for online shopping spending per capita

Rank State eCommerce revenue per capita
1. Hawaii $24,425
2. New Hampshire $4,272
3. Wyoming $4,238
4. Vermont $4,075
5. South Dakota $3,997
6. North Dakota $3,847
7. Alaska $3,829
8. Mississippi $3,652
9. Nebraska $3,558
10. Montana $3,518

 

At the opposite end of the scale, North Carolina residents spend the least on online shopping, with just $2,232 per capita annually – 39% below the national average. Online retailers’ annual revenue contributes $19.4 billion to North Carolina’s economy, with $106.03 eCommerce taxes generated per capita.

Other states with relatively low online spending include Arizona at $2,677 per capita and Texas at $2,693, both 26% below the U.S. average.

Bottom 10 states for online shopping spending per capita

Rank State eCommerce revenue per capita
1. North Carolina $2,232
2. Arizona $2,677
3. Texas $2,693
4. Utah $2,721
5. South Carolina $2,784
6. Idaho $2,836
7. Washington $2,858
8. Rhode Island $2,879
9. Kansas $2,892
10. Oklahoma $2,897

 

Commenting on the findings, Mark Ang, CEO & Co-Founder at GoBolt, says: 

“Hawaii’s position shows the unique challenges of island retail, where residents face limited local options and high shipping costs for traditional shopping.

“The data suggests that states with more rural populations often show higher online spending per person. This makes sense as these residents might have fewer local retailers available, so turn to online shopping for greater selection and convenience.

“Interestingly, several states with major urban centers and strong retail presence, including New York, California, and Washington, show lower-than-average per capita online spending. This suggests that access to diverse physical retail options may reduce reliance on eCommerce – unlike in Hawaii.”

States ranked by online shopping spending per capita

Rank State eCommerce revenue per capita
1. Hawaii $24,425
2. New Hampshire $4,272
3. Wyoming $4,238
4. Vermont $4,075
5. South Dakota $3,997
6. North Dakota $3,847
7. Alaska $3,829
8. Mississippi $3,652
9. Nebraska $3,558
10. Montana $3,518
11. Missouri $3,516
12. Nevada $3,510
13. Arkansas $3,475
14. Minnesota $3,459
15. Maine $3,445
16. Delaware $3,348
17. New Jersey $3,317
18. New Mexico $3,258
19. West Virginia $3,256
20. Iowa $3,251
21. Connecticut $3,248
22. Wisconsin $3,221
23. Louisiana $3,205
24. Alabama $3,196
25. Tennessee $3,171
26. Illinois $3,170
27. Virginia $3,084
28. Florida $3,072
29. Maryland $3,067
30. Massachusetts $3,064
31. Michigan $3,060
32. Indiana $3,040
33. California $3,007
34. Pennsylvania $3,006
35. Kentucky $2,971
36. Oregon $2,966
37. New York $2,965
38. Georgia $2,916
39. Colorado $2,905
40. Ohio $2,903
41. Oklahoma $2,897
42. Kansas $2,892
43. Rhode Island $2,879
44. Washington $2,858
45. Idaho $2,836
46. South Carolina $2,784
47. Utah $2,721
48. Texas $2,693
49. Arizona $2,677
50. North Carolina $2,232