This number is the average number of colonies per beekeeper!

This number is the median number of colonies per beekeeper!

What this number tells us currently, is that we have more beekeepers with a smaller number of colonies and fewer with a larger number of colonies. We will be breaking the data into multiple sets this week to focus on these two groups

Understanding the Average & Median Colonies Per Beekeeper

The data displayed above represents the average and median number of colonies per beekeeper based on submissions to our survey. This survey includes beekeepers across a wide range—from small-scale hobbyists with just a few hives to large-scale operations managing hundreds of colonies. By displaying both the average and median, we provide a clearer picture of colony distribution within the American beekeeping community.

How Many Colonies Do Beekeepers Typically Have?

Most hobbyist beekeepers start with 1-2 colonies. It’s widely recommended that beginners start with two hives, as this allows for comparison and increases survival odds if one colony struggles. If a beekeeper successfully overwinters their bees and expands through splits, they may gradually increase their hive count. Many hobbyists maintain between 1-20 hives, while sideline beekeepers may manage around 50-200 colonies. Commercial operations scale significantly larger, often exceeding 500+ hives.

However, not every beekeeper expands. Some remain at a small scale, focusing on sustainability rather than growth. Others, particularly those struggling with colony losses, may leave beekeeping entirely within a few years.

Colony Growth Trends & Dropout Rates

Beekeepers who expand their operations often do so gradually, adding a few colonies per season based on success and resources. One study found that hobbyists typically grow from 2-5 hives within a few years, and those who persist past their third year are more likely to stay in beekeeping long-term. On the other hand, many beginners struggle with colony loss in their first year, leading some to quit.

Common reasons beekeepers discontinue include:

• Varroa mites: The #1 cause of colony failure, often due to ineffective treatment or lack of monitoring.
• Overwintering loss: Harsh winters combined with weak colonies can lead to high mortality.
• Cost & labor: Beekeeping requires ongoing investments in equipment, treatments, and supplemental feeding.
• Frustration with losses: Some beekeepers become discouraged after repeated colony deaths.

Why Show Both the Average & Median?

The average colony count is calculated by adding all reported colonies and dividing by the number of respondents. However, because some survey participants have very large apiaries, the average can be skewed higher than what’s typical for most beekeepers.

The median provides a more balanced perspective. The median represents the middle value—meaning half of all beekeepers in our survey report having fewer colonies, and half report having more. In datasets with a wide range of values, the median is often a better representation of what’s “typical” than the average alone.

Contribute to the Survey!

The more beekeepers who participate, the more accurate and insightful this data becomes. If you’re a beekeeper, help improve our dataset by submitting your numbers here! Also, please share this survey with fellow beekeepers to help us gather the most comprehensive data possible.