Cotton Production by State 2026

Cotton production in the United States is primarily concentrated in the southern and southwestern regions of the country, where the climate and soil conditions are optimal for growing the crop. The leading cotton-producing states include Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina. These states are part of the Cotton Belt, an area extending from Virginia to California, which has historically been the heart of the US cotton industry. Favorable growing conditions, such as long, warm summers, adequate rainfall, and fertile soils, support the cultivation of cotton in these regions, making them the primary sources of the nation’s cotton output.

In terms of global cotton production, the United States ranks among the top producers, alongside countries such as India, China, Brazil, and Pakistan. These countries have extensive agricultural land dedicated to cotton cultivation and contribute significantly to the international market. While the United States may not be the largest cotton producer globally, it still plays a vital role in the worldwide cotton market.