West Virginia Tops List for Most Fast Food Restaurants Per Capita

Ohio ranks 5th in the nation for fast food eateries per 100,000 residents

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:10am

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A new study from Seating Masters, a restaurant furniture designer, has found that West Virginia has the most fast food restaurants per capita in the United States, with 49.04 fast food establishments for every 100,000 residents. Ohio ranked 5th on the list, with 46.43 fast food restaurants per 100,000 people.

Why it matters

The ranking provides insight into fast food consumption and access across different states, which can have implications for public health, local economies, and urban planning. As a state with a high concentration of fast food, West Virginia may face challenges related to obesity, heart disease, and other diet-related issues.

The details

The study, conducted by Seating Masters, analyzed data from 22 major fast food chains, including McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, and Chipotle. In addition to West Virginia and Ohio, the top 10 states with the most fast food restaurants per capita were Kentucky, Kansas, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Wyoming.

  • The study was published on March 21, 2026.

The players

Seating Masters

A restaurant furniture design company that conducted the study on fast food restaurant density across the United States.

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The takeaway

The high concentration of fast food restaurants in West Virginia and other states highlights the need for policymakers and public health officials to address the potential health and economic impacts of easy access to fast food. As states work to promote healthier lifestyles, understanding the geographic distribution of fast food establishments can inform targeted interventions and urban planning decisions.