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Fact check: Which states have the highest percentage of population using SNAP benefits in 2025?
Executive Summary
New Mexico had the highest share of residents using SNAP in the most-cited 2024/2025 data, at about 21%, followed by Louisiana and Oregon at 18% and Oklahoma at 17%, with Washington, D.C., also showing among the highest rates; these figures are reported across multiple mid‑2025 sources synthesizing state-level participation rates rather than raw recipient counts [1] [2] [3]. The headline ranking is consistent across commercial compilations and policy databases, but differences in methodology — whether reporting families, individuals, or calendar-year snapshots — matter for exact comparisons and interpretation [4] [1].
1. How multiple outlets converged on the same top states — a clear pattern with caveats
Multiple mid‑2025 summaries independently list New Mexico, Louisiana, Oregon, and Oklahoma among the states with the highest percentages of the population on SNAP, with New Mexico topping the list at 21%, and the next two states at 18%; these concordant figures appear in both a June compilation and a July follow‑up, indicating a consistent pattern in publicly available state rates for the 2024 reporting period [1] [2]. The repetition across outlets suggests the underlying state data are stable, but both pieces are aggregations rather than original government tables; therefore, differences in terminology — some refer to “families on SNAP” while others report “residents” or “percent of population” — require attention when making strict comparisons [1] [2].
2. Government counts versus percentage rates — why raw numbers tell a different story
Federal reporting emphasizes absolute recipient counts in large states, so California, New York, Texas, and Florida regularly have the largest numbers of SNAP participants due to population size, while smaller states like New Mexico show higher rates of participation relative to population; this distinction explains why headlines may alternately claim “most SNAP recipients” versus “highest SNAP rate” depending on focus [5]. Policy analysts warn that using percentages highlights local reliance on SNAP, but policymakers often prioritize raw totals when estimating program costs or logistical impacts during events like a benefit pause, creating legitimate but different narratives in the media and policy debate [5] [4].
3. Data vintage and measurement choices — what “2025” actually represents
Most cited rankings in mid‑2025 rely on 2024 participation data or year‑to‑date snapshots published by policy trackers and commercial outlets; the June and July 2025 lists explicitly present percentages derived from the prior year’s enrollment records, meaning that the “2025” claim is shorthand for the latest available official or compiled figures [1] [2]. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities maintains state‑by‑state tables that underpin many summaries, and their dataset — released in early 2025 for 2024 participation — frames accepted comparisons, but any changes through late‑2025, such as those caused by economic shifts or policy actions, could alter rankings if updated counts differ [4].
4. Recent events that could change participation quickly — the government shutdown factor
A federal interruption in benefit delivery reported on October 27, 2025, highlights how policy disruptions can rapidly affect SNAP participation and household reliance, even if underlying pre‑shutdown percentages remain unchanged; news accounts estimated that nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP monthly and described pauses that would immediately impact recipient households in every state [6] [7]. Such operational shocks do not instantly change the proportion of a state’s population classified as SNAP participants, but prolonged interruptions, eligibility adjustments, or emergency allotments could shift both counts and percentages in subsequent official reports, making ongoing monitoring essential [6] [7].
5. Methodological limitations and sources of divergence — what to watch for in rankings
Rankings differ when outlets report “families” versus “individuals,” include or exclude Washington, D.C., or use different reference periods; for example, GOBankingRates framed its list as “families on SNAP” while other outlets used population percentages or USDA monthly counts, producing minor but meaningful divergences around the margins of top‑10 lists [1] [2]. Analysts must also consider that seasonal SNAP enrollment, pandemic-era policy changes, and state‑level administrative practices can create transient spikes or dips; the most defensible comparisons therefore cite the underlying USDA or CBPP tables and state fiscal reports rather than standalone listicles [4] [1].
6. Bottom line for your question — succinct answer and recommended caveats
Based on the most consistent mid‑2025 reporting of 2024 participation data, New Mexico (≈21%) tops the list by share of residents on SNAP, with Louisiana and Oregon (≈18%) and Oklahoma (≈17%) following, and Washington, D.C. also showing very high participation rates in percentage terms; these figures appear across multiple summaries and policy datasets [1] [2] [3]. Treat these rankings as percentage‑based snapshots reflecting the latest compiled data through mid‑2025; for operational planning, budget analysis, or time‑sensitive policymaking, consult the USDA’s monthly reports or CBPP state tables for the precise, most recent counts and any post‑mid‑2025 changes [5] [4].