Higher over the period
U.S. Meat Production per Capita moved from 132.7 Kilogram in 2015 to 138.4 Kilogram in 2024 (+4.2%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 142.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 132.7 Kilogram in 2015.
What U.S. Meat Production per Capita shows
U.S. Meat Production per Capita was 138.4 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.1% on 2023. U.S. meat production per capita recorded a strong and relatively stable trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the country’s advanced livestock sector, large-scale agricultural infrastructure, and well-established meat processing industry. The dataset indicates that meat production per capita increased from 132.75 kilograms in 2015 to 138.36 kilograms in 2024.
A 6.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2015) is 9.86 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −2.8% in 2020.
Ranks 8 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 8 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so U.S. is above it.
Full series
U.S. Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 138.4 | +0.1% |
| 2023 | 138.2 | −1.2% |
| 2022 | 139.8 | +0.3% |
| 2021 | 139.5 | +0.6% |
| 2020 | 138.6 | −2.8% |
| 2019Peak | 142.6 | +2% |
| 2018 | 139.8 | +1.4% |
| 2017 | 137.9 | +1.7% |
| 2016 | 135.6 | +2.2% |
| 2015 Trough | 132.7 | — |
Regional context
How U.S. compares in North America
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. U.S. is highlighted.
1U.S.138.4
2Canada130.7
3Mexico63.84
4Costa Rica59.00
5Guatemala40.92
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The overall growth demonstrates the strength of the U.S. meat supply chain and highlights the country’s ability to maintain high production capacity through technological advancement, efficient farming practices, and strong market demand.
During the initial period from 2015 to 2019, the United States experienced continuous growth in meat production per capita. Production increased from 132.75 kilograms in 2015 to 135.63 kilograms in 2016, followed by further growth to 137.88 kilograms in 2017 and 139.80 kilograms in 2018. The indicator reached its highest level during the period in 2019 at 142.60 kilograms, supported by strong livestock output, improved production efficiency, and consistent domestic and international demand for meat products.
A decline was observed in 2020, when meat production per capita decreased to 138.60 kilograms due to supply-chain disruptions, processing challenges, and changes in market conditions. The sector recovered in 2021, increasing to 139.47 kilograms, and remained stable in 2022 at 139.82 kilograms. These improvements reflected the resilience of the U.S. meat industry and its ability to adapt to operational challenges.
In 2023, meat production per capita declined slightly to 138.18 kilograms, indicating moderate adjustments in production levels and market dynamics. However, production recovered marginally in 2024, reaching 138.36 kilograms per capita, maintaining a level above the 2015 baseline.
Overall, U.S. meat production per capita highlights the importance of the livestock sector within the food and beverage industry. The indicator provides valuable insights into production efficiency, supply capacity, market stability, and long-term performance trends of the U.S. meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- U.S.
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is U.S. Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was U.S. Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
U.S. Meat Production per Capita was 138.4 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.1% on 2023.
How has U.S. Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
U.S. Meat Production per Capita moved from 132.7 Kilogram in 2015 to 138.4 Kilogram in 2024 (+4.2%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 142.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 132.7 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest U.S. Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 142.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the lowest was 132.7 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the U.S. Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the U.S. Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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