Growing Without Soil: United States Hydroponics Market Set to Reach USD 9.53 Billion by 2033

United States Hydroponics Market Trends & Summary

The United States Hydroponics Market was valued at USD 3.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.53 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.05% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research. This rapid expansion is powered by the rising demand for sustainable agriculture, food security concerns, and technological advancements in controlled environment farming systems.

Hydroponics — the practice of growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water — represents a transformative step toward modern, efficient agriculture. The method maximizes productivity in limited spaces while minimizing water consumption, making it ideal for a world grappling with urbanization and climate challenges.

🌱 United States Hydroponics Market Outlook

Hydroponics allows crops to absorb essential nutrients directly through water, resulting in faster growth, higher yields, and year-round cultivation. Systems such as the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and aeroponics are widely used to grow leafy greens, tomatoes, herbs, and strawberries in controlled indoor environments.

As urbanization accelerates and arable land shrinks, the U.S. has witnessed a surge in hydroponic farms, particularly in vertical farms and commercial greenhouses. These setups allow for precise resource management, minimal pesticide use, and maximum water efficiency.

Rising consumer awareness about organic, pesticide-free produce and the farm-to-table movement is further propelling hydroponic adoption. Moreover, government incentives and private sector investments are nurturing an environment where sustainable agriculture can thrive.

🚜 Growth Drivers of the U.S. Hydroponics Market

1. Rising Demand for Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainability is at the heart of hydroponic farming. Compared to traditional agriculture, hydroponics uses up to 90% less water and significantly less land, while producing higher yields per square foot.

With climate change disrupting conventional farming, hydroponics ensures year-round, controlled production with minimal environmental impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated $7 billion for conservation commitments and an additional $17 billion through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for sustainable practices through 2031.

Many consumer goods companies and food producers have also pledged to transition to regenerative agriculture and deforestation-free supply chains, further fueling hydroponic adoption.

2. Growth in Urban and Vertical Farming

Hydroponics is redefining urban landscapes. As cities expand and land becomes scarce, vertical farms, rooftop gardens, and container farms are emerging as viable urban food sources.

Companies are investing heavily in indoor hydroponic facilities to meet the rising demand for fresh, local, and pesticide-free food. In August 2024, the USDA announced a $300 million boost under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to stimulate agricultural innovation — providing a strong tailwind for the vertical farming sector.

3. Technological Advancements

The U.S. is a global hub for AgTech innovation, with automation, IoT sensors, and AI-based monitoring transforming hydroponic farming. Smart systems now control lighting, nutrient delivery, humidity, and CO₂ levels, optimizing crop growth and reducing labor costs.

In February 2024, AgTech startup Ryzee and American Hydroponics (AmHydro) partnered to launch an AI-driven farm optimization platform addressing daily challenges faced by growers. Such innovations are making hydroponics more scalable and commercially viable than ever.

⚠️ Challenges in the U.S. Hydroponics Market

1. High Initial Investment

Despite its long-term benefits, hydroponics demands significant upfront capital. Setting up systems with LED lighting, HVAC, and nutrient delivery networks can be cost-prohibitive for small and mid-sized farmers.

Without financial support, training, and loan access, widespread adoption remains limited — a major bottleneck for the market.

2. Limited Consumer Awareness

Although awareness is improving, many American consumers still perceive hydroponic produce as expensive or less natural compared to traditionally grown crops.

Moreover, hydroponics competes directly with organic farming, which has already established strong brand recognition. To overcome this, growers and associations must emphasize the environmental and nutritional benefits of hydroponic produce — particularly its pesticide-free, locally grown, and resource-efficient nature.

🌿 United States Hydroponics Market Insights

Hydroponics is gaining ground across both commercial and residential segments. Urban consumers are experimenting with home hydroponic kits, while large companies are investing in industrial-scale farms that supply supermarkets, restaurants, and food service chains.

The convergence of climate resilience, technology, and consumer demand for freshness positions hydroponics as a core pillar of future U.S. agriculture.

🧱 Segment Analysis

By Type

Aggregate Systems:

Using media like coconut coir, perlite, and rock wool, aggregate systems provide stability and efficient nutrient absorption. Their simplicity and affordability make them a favorite for both beginners and commercial growers.

Liquid Systems:

Techniques such as NFT and DWC continuously circulate nutrient-rich water around plant roots. These systems are compact, ideal for urban farms, and increasingly automated with sensor-based monitoring.

By Crop Type

Tomatoes:

A cornerstone of hydroponic farming, tomatoes benefit from controlled environments that boost yield and flavor consistency while reducing disease risks.

Herbs:

Fast-growing herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro dominate indoor hydroponic farms, serving restaurants and grocery chains seeking premium, pesticide-free produce.

Leafy Greens:

Lettuce and spinach are increasingly cultivated hydroponically due to short growth cycles and high urban demand.

Cucumbers & Peppers:

Specialty crops are expanding in hydroponic adoption, driven by demand from restaurants and health-conscious consumers.

By Equipment

HVAC Systems:

Essential for climate control, HVAC units regulate temperature, humidity, and air circulation, ensuring consistent crop quality. Modern HVAC systems use IoT-enabled smart controls for energy efficiency.

LED Grow Lights:

LED technology has revolutionized indoor farming, allowing crops to receive optimized light spectrums that boost growth while reducing energy consumption.

Irrigation Systems:

Automated drip and aeroponic systems improve water and nutrient efficiency, aligning hydroponics with sustainable farming goals.

Control Systems & Material Handling:

These systems streamline nutrient mixing, monitoring, and plant transport, supporting large-scale hydroponic operations.

🗺️ Regional Overview

California:

Leading the U.S. hydroponics market, California faces chronic droughts and water shortages, making hydroponics a sustainable solution. High-value crops like strawberries, leafy greens, and tomatoes are key products in the state’s commercial hydroponic farms.

New York:

Urban density and the farm-to-table movement have propelled rooftop hydroponic gardens and vertical farms in New York. AI and automation are helping urban farms achieve year-round productivity despite limited space.

Florida:

With its subtropical climate and robust tourism industry, Florida’s hydroponic farms serve restaurants and resorts demanding fresh local produce. Crops include lettuce, herbs, and berries, cultivated under controlled systems resilient to hurricanes and soil erosion.

Georgia:

Georgia’s agriculture industry is embracing hydroponics to counter erratic weather patterns. Both commercial and small-scale hydroponic farms are expanding, supported by the state’s investment in sustainable indoor farming practices.

🏢 Leading Companies in the U.S. Hydroponics Market

AeroFarms – Pioneer in vertical farming with large-scale hydroponic facilities.

American Hydroponics (AmHydro) – Leading equipment and solution provider.

Freight Farms – Specializes in containerized hydroponic systems for urban and remote areas.

Green Sense Farms Holdings, Inc. – Operates one of the largest commercial LED-lit hydroponic farms.

LumiGrow – Innovator in horticultural lighting systems.

Unrivaled Brands Inc. – Focused on sustainable hydroponic cultivation.

BrightFarms – Supplies hydroponically grown produce to major U.S. retailers.

The Scotts Company LLC – Provides hydroponic nutrients and systems for home growers.

Hydrodynamics International – Offers advanced nutrient and water management products.

Signify Holding – Global leader in smart LED grow lighting solutions.

🌎 Final Thoughts

The United States Hydroponics Market stands at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and food innovation. As the population grows and arable land declines, hydroponics offers a scalable, eco-friendly, and economically viable alternative to traditional farming.

By 2033, with an estimated market value of USD 9.53 billion, hydroponics will not just be a farming method — it will be a movement toward a resilient and sustainable food future.

From rooftops in New York to tech-driven farms in California, hydroponics is cultivating a new era of green growth — quite literally, from the ground up.