For many Americans, a comfortable outdoor day means temperatures between 60°F and 95°F – a range that allows families to gather on patios, fire pits, and decks without extreme heat or cold. The Luxury Pergola has taken that simple definition and combined it with data on homeownership, household income, and online interest in backyard projects to produce a 2026 ranking of the 50 states.
Georgia leads the nation
Georgia earned the top spot with a composite score of 69.84, the highest of any state. The state excelled in every weighted category: climate, outdoor‑space access, purchasing power, and search interest. With a strong homeownership rate and growing household budgets, Georgia residents are able to invest in pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and other backyard upgrades that turn a modest yard into a gathering place for family and friends.
Why sunshine alone isn’t enough
Traditional outdoor‑living powerhouses such as California and Florida performed far lower than expected. California slipped to No. 42 despite a climate score well above average, because its homeownership rate remains low and rising living costs limit families’ ability to fund backyard projects. Florida, while boasting a perfect 365 comfortable days, ranked No. 4 because its homeownership rate sits at 66.1% and its income score is near the bottom of the index.
Mid‑Atlantic and the South dominate the top ten
The top‑ten list is heavily weighted toward the Southeast and Mid‑Atlantic. South Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, and Virginia all appear in the upper tier, reflecting a blend of extended comfortable seasons, high owner‑occupancy rates, and strong consumer interest in outdoor living. Maryland, for example, ranks No. 3 with only 214 comfortable days but the nation’s highest income score and a 68% homeownership rate.
States at the bottom of the list
Alaska finished last (No. 50) with just 31 comfortable days per year, offering only a single month of viable patio weather. New York placed at No. 49, hampered by a low owner‑occupancy rate of 55.7% and a short outdoor season. Hawaii, despite a perfect climate score, fell to No. 12 because its homeownership rate is only 57.6%.
What the data shows for families
The study’s methodology weighted climate at 40%, outdoor‑space access at 25%, household purchasing power at 20%, and active interest in backyard living at 15%. Climate data came from NOAA’s 30‑year normals, while homeownership and income figures were drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS 5‑Year Estimates and BEA Regional Price Parities. Search interest was measured using Google Trends for five backyard‑related terms over the past 12 months.
These findings suggest that families looking to invest in outdoor entertaining should consider not only the weather but also the availability of affordable housing and disposable income. States where homeowners have both the space and the budget are seeing a surge in demand for weather‑proof outdoor TVs, pergolas, and other backyard amenities.
Implications for the home‑improvement market
Manufacturers report a sharp increase in orders for outdoor entertainment equipment ahead of the summer of 2026. The trend is strongest in states that rank high on the Luxury Pergola index, indicating that consumer confidence and purchasing power are translating into real upgrades for yards and patios.
For homeowners across the country, the takeaway is clear: a sunny climate is only part of the equation. Ownership, financial stability, and a genuine interest in enhancing outdoor spaces are the true drivers of a vibrant backyard lifestyle.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
