Pumpkin Prices Rise In Mill Valley

MILL VALLEY, CA — It doesn’t feel quite like fall until those perfect orange pumpkins on neighborhood porches and steps.

This year, however, it could cost a little extra to bring that quintessential piece of autumn home.

The average price of a pumpkin nationally has fluctuated a bit over the past four Halloween seasons, numbers from the market research company Statista show.

Last year, pumpkins sold for an average of $4.83 apiece, up from $4.18 in 2020 and $4.04 in 2019. In 2018, pumpkins were a steal at $3.89 apiece.

Pumpkin prices at retailers in California vary, with some charging over $5 apiece this year. And if you’re looking for an extra large gourd, expect to pay upwards of $15.

Of course, if you shop around, you can find carving pumpkins for less.

Pumpkins of all sizes can be found in numerous big-box stores and community farmers markets across the country.

Among the cheapest prices of major stores selling pumpkins in the Golden State: Trader Joe’s.

The neighborhood grocery store is offering them this year for a price between $3.99 and $4.49, depending on the location, according to company representatives.

Patch spotted carving pumpkins for sale at a Southern California Target location for $5.99. Again, prices may vary by location.

Another major retailer selling pumpkins is Home Depot. Patch saw prices there ranging from $3.98 to $15.98.

And over at Lowes, prices were quite similar to those of Home Depot, with large pumpkins priced at $9.98. Both stores offer a range of pumpkin sizes, too.

Grocery stores, like Safeway, also sell pumpkins. Patch spotted some for sale at a Northern California location for $5 each.

Something to keep in mind as you head out to get your 2022 pumpkins: prices tend to be higher at the patches. (It’s all about the experience, right?)

Also, pumpkin prices often change in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

At many places– especially the U-pick patches— pumpkins are purchased by the pound. The average price per pound is $1.38 for consumers, according to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That means a 10- or 14-pound pumpkin could cost from $14 to $20 apiece.

About 44 percent of the American population carved pumpkins during the 2021 Halloween season, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s about 145 million people, slightly less than 2020 when 151 million participated in the fall tradition.

Have YOU spotted a great deal on pumpkins? Let us know where in the comments below!