The number of breweries in the United States reached its highest level at the end of 2013, according to the Brewers Association. At the end of 2013, the Brewers Association counted 2,722 brewing facilities in the U.S., an increase of almost 400 from the end of 2012. This is the highest number seen in the country since the early 1870s. This brewery count includes the number of breweries in operation at the turn of 2014. 98% of these breweries were small and independent craft  breweries. 2013 marked the first year since 1987 that microbreweries outnumbered brewpubs in the country.