4th of July Stats and Facts!
Including how many hotdogs we'll eat!
The Fourth of July is all about fireworks, food and fun—but some of the numbers behind America’s birthday celebration are just as entertaining as the holiday itself. WalletHub rounded up some of the most surprising facts and statistics that show just how big Americans go every Independence Day.
Some of the most amusing facts and stats:
- Hot dog overload: Americans will devour about 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July—enough to stretch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles more than five times!
- A very expensive cookout: Americans are expected to spend nearly $9 billion on Fourth of July food and more than $4 billion on beer and wine, proving that celebrating freedom comes with a hefty grocery bill.
- Road trip madness: More than 72 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday, making it one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
- Fireworks aren’t cheap—or always safe: Americans spend nearly $3 billion on fireworks, and about two-thirds of all fireworks-related injuries happen within a month of July 4, giving emergency rooms their own holiday tradition.
- Stars and stripes from overseas: Even America’s most patriotic symbol has an international backstory—millions of dollars’ worth of U.S. flags are imported each year.
- It all started with 56 signatures: The holiday commemorates the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, launching a tradition that’s now celebrated with everything from backyard barbecues to blockbuster fireworks shows.
