Mapped: Where are America’s Dry Counties?
- Hundreds of U.S. counties still restrict or prohibit the sale of alcohol, most heavily concentrated in the South and Midwest.
- Arkansas stands out with a high concentration of dry or “moist” counties, where alcohol sales are only partially legal.
- Though the number of dry counties is shrinking, local control and complex laws make nationwide tracking difficult.
While the U.S. ended federal Prohibition in 1933, local restrictions on alcohol still persist across the country to this day. As shown in this map, based on work by Wikipedia user Mr. Matté, many counties remain “dry,” banning the sale of alcohol entirely, or “moist,” allowing only limited sales.
Where Alcohol is Still Restricted
The data, crowdsourced from local government sites and media reports, reveals that alcohol restrictions are concentrated in the South, particularly in states like Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Arkansas stands out the most in the map above, with a patchwork of red and orange counties indicating either total bans or partial restrictions on alcohol sales. In fact, the state has long struggled with outdated liquor laws, where even grocery stores in “moist” counties may be prohibited from selling wine or spirits.
Alcohol Status: It’s Complicated
Here’s what the terminology means:
- Dry county: No alcohol sales allowed by law
- Moist county: Alcohol sales are partially restricted (e.g. allowed in restaurants but not in stores)
- Wet county: Alcohol can be sold without county-level restriction
Even within “wet” counties, individual towns may choose to remain dry, and in “dry” counties, specific towns or establishments can apply for exemptions, creating a legal maze for consumers and businesses alike.
Declining Dryness Over Time
According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, the number of dry counties has dropped significantly since the mid-20th century. In Texas, for example, only three dry counties remain.
Nonetheless, the persistence of these regulations reflects longstanding cultural attitudes and the influence of local referenda. While national consumption of spirits is rising, especially in certain states, the map shows that alcohol availability is still very much a local matter.
Learn More on the Voronoi App 
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Americans are spending less on spirits…besides tequila on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
