How Much Does a Pound of Crab Cost? A Detailed Look at Crab Prices in the US

Crab is one of the most delicious and sought-after seafood. With its sweet, succulent meat and iconic cracked shells, crab is a staple at summer cookouts, seafood boils, and fancy restaurant menus alike. But with so many types of crab on the market, how much does a pound really cost?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into crab prices per pound in the US, covering everything from common retail prices to wholesale rates to historical pricing trends Read on for a comprehensive guide on crab costs and value

An Overview of Retail Crab Prices by Type

There are five major types of crab commercially harvested and sold in the US

• Dungeness Crab – The most abundant crab species found along the West Coast. Whole, fresh Dungeness can cost $5.90 to $13.99 per pound retail.

• Snow Crab – Prized for their long, thin legs and sweet white meat Snow crab cluster meat retails for about $9.03 per pound

• Blue Crab – The iconic Chesapeake Bay crab renowned for its delicate flavor. Fresh whole blue crabs range from $12.50 to $35 per pound.

• King Crab – The gigantic crabs of the Bering Sea, king crab legs cost $13 to $49.99 per pound depending on size.

• Stone Crab – Harvested for their meaty claws in Florida, stone crab claws can cost between $35 to $75+ per pound.

As you can see, retail crab prices span a wide range – from economical options like Dungeness to luxury items like stone crab claws. The type of product (whole crab, clusters, meat) greatly impacts the price as well.

Factors That Determine Crab Prices

Several key factors affect the cost of crab:

• Type of Crab – The rarer the species, the higher the price. Luxury crab like king and stone boast the highest prices.

• Size – Larger crab and claws command higher prices per pound. Jumbo Alaskan king crab costs more than a small blue.

• Preparation – Whole cooked crab costs less than hand-picked lump meat per pound. The more processing and labor, the higher the price.

• Season – Prices fluctuate seasonally with peak harvest times lowering costs. Crab is typically cheaper in summer and early fall.

• Location – Regional availability impacts pricing too. Dungeness is cheapest on the West Coast near fisheries while exotic crab like king can be marked up inland.

Understanding these factors helps determine fair market value for the common types of crab.

Average Per-Pound Prices at the Crab Docks

So what are crab fishermen getting paid at the docks? Here are average per-pound prices by the pound paid to fishermen:

• Dungeness – $2.00 to $3.00 per pound
• Snow Crab – $1.50 to $3.50 per pound
• Blue Crab – $1.00 to $2.50 per pound
• Red King Crab – $4.00 to $6.00 per pound

After processing and transport, those dock prices are marked up significantly by the time they reach grocery stores and restaurants. Middlemen like processors and distributors take a cut too. The scarcer the crab, the higher the markup.

Wholesale Crab Prices for Foodservice Buyers

Restaurants, markets, and other foodservice buyers pay wholesale rates for crab, which are lower than retail. Here are current wholesale price ranges:

• Dungeness Crab – $3.50 to $6.50 per pound
• Snow Crab – $4.00 to $8.00 per pound
• Blue Crab – $4.00 to $12.00 per pound
• King Crab – $12.00 to $16.00 per pound

Buyers purchasing canned or pasteurized crab meat in bulk will pay even less per pound, with prices averaging between $7 to $15 depending on the product.

Historical US Retail Prices of Crab per Pound

Over the past decade, the retail price of crab has gradually increased overall as fuel, labor, and other fishing costs rise. Here are some examples of historical retail prices per pound in the US:

• 2010 – Dungeness Crab $4.49 per pound, Snow Crab $7.50 per pound
• 2015 – Dungeness Crab $5.99 per pound, Snow Crab $8.25 per pound
• 2020 – Dungeness Crab $6.75 per pound, Snow Crab $9.50 per pound
• 2023 – Dungeness Crab $8.99 per pound, Snow Crab $11.00 per pound

However, seasonal dips still occur when supplies surge like during peak summer harvests. More expensive crab like king and stone have seen larger price hikes over the decade.

Future Crab Market Trends and Pricing Predictions

Looking ahead, crab prices will likely continue climbing gently as operating costs, regulations, and inflation increase for fishermen. However, the growth of crab farming and aquaculture could improve supply stability and distribution efficiencies, keeping price hikes modest overall.

Consumers can expect to budget around $7 to $9 per pound on average for basic crab options at retail, with premium offerings like king and stone pushing $15 to $20 per pound. Foodservice and wholesale buyers will continue seeing lower per-pound costs in the $5 to $15 range depending on volume.

Regardless of your needs, understanding the ins and outs of crab pricing gives you an advantage when sourcing, buying, selling, and budgeting. Keep an eye on seasonal availability, wholesale versus retail costs, and how factors like preparation impact the price per pound. And enjoy one of nature’s tastiest delicacies without breaking the bank!