West Virginia Tops List for Most Fast Food Restaurants

New ranking shows the state with the highest density of fast food chains.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new analysis has found that West Virginia has the highest number of fast food restaurants per capita in the United States. The state, known for its rural landscapes and coal mining history, has long been associated with unhealthy eating habits, and this latest data appears to confirm that reputation.

Why it matters

The prevalence of fast food restaurants in a state is often seen as an indicator of broader public health issues, as frequent consumption of fast food is linked to higher rates of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. This ranking shines a light on the need for West Virginia to focus on improving access to healthier food options and promoting better nutrition education.

The details

The analysis, conducted by a team of researchers, looked at the total number of fast food establishments in each state and compared that to the state's population. West Virginia came out on top, with an estimated 1 fast food restaurant for every 1,500 residents. This was followed by Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky in the top 5.

  • The analysis was published on March 21, 2026.

The players

West Virginia

A state in the Appalachian region of the United States, known for its rural landscapes, coal mining history, and high rates of poverty and poor health outcomes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This ranking highlights the urgent need for West Virginia to address its reliance on fast food and work to improve access to healthier, more nutritious options for its residents. Tackling the state's fast food problem could have significant positive impacts on public health and quality of life.