Worst and Best U.S. Cities for Seasonal Allergies
Top U.S. localities offering respite from seasonal allergies
For those suffering from seasonal allergies, the choice of residence can significantly impact their quality of life. According to various studies, cities with warm, humid climates tend to present the most challenges, while drier climates offer a reprieve.
The Worst Cities for Allergy Sufferers
The worst U.S. cities for people with different seasonal allergies are predominantly located in the South, Southeast, and Plains regions due to their warm, humid climates that promote high pollen and mold levels. Wichita, Kansas, is identified as the worst city overall for allergy sufferers, scoring highest on pollen counts, medication use, and lack of allergy specialists[1][5]. Other high-ranking problematic cities include New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Tulsa, Oklahoma, with elevated tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as mold and dust exposure[5].
The Best Cities for Allergy Sufferers
Conversely, some of the best cities are in drier or less pollen-prone climates, such as Reno, Nevada, which is noted as the best city for indoor allergies due to low pollen and allergen levels[3].
Breakdown by Allergens and Seasons
- Tree Pollen (Spring): High tree pollen levels are widespread, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest. The Southeast suffers from long and intense tree pollen seasons due to warm, humid climates[1].
- Grass Pollen (Summer): Grass and mold pollens peak during humid summers, especially in the South and Florida. Florida cities like Bradenton experience long grass pollen seasons from June to August, exacerbated by humidity promoting mold growth[2].
- Weed Pollen (Fall): Weed pollen, notably ragweed, is especially problematic in the Plains, Carolinas, and Gulf Coast states. New Orleans saw a spike due to wetter conditions after Hurricane Francine[1][5].
- Mold and Dust: Humid climates, such as those in Florida and the Southeast, encourage mold and dust mite growth year-round, worsening indoor allergy symptoms[2]. Dry climates like Nevada reduce these risks[3].
Summary Table of Notable Cities by Allergy Severity
| Allergy Type | Worst Cities | Best Cities | Key Factors | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Overall | Wichita, KS; New Orleans, LA; Oklahoma City, OK | Reno, NV | High pollen counts, humidity, mold vs. low pollen and dry climate | | Tree pollen (spring) | Southeast cities, Midwest (Wichita) | Some drier western cities | Warm, humid climates increase pollen | | Grass pollen (summer) | Florida cities (Bradenton), South | Arid western cities | Humidity favors grass pollen and mold | | Weed pollen (fall) | Plains states, Carolinas, Gulf Coast (New Orleans) | Portions of west and NW | Moisture and warm temps increase pollen | | Mold and Dust | Florida, Southeast | Nevada | Humidity enhances mold, dust mite growth|
Additional Notes
- Allergy severity varies individually; some people may not react the same way to the same environment[1].
- Visiting potential relocation cities during different allergy seasons and consulting allergists is advised before moving[1].
- Climate change is increasing pollen levels and extending allergy seasons nationwide[3].
- In fall, tree leaves also begin to fall and rot on the ground, allowing mold to thrive.
- Dayton, OH, had the lowest tree pollen levels in 2022, with the first detection in February and a peak in May[6].
- Colder places have shorter grass pollen seasons[4].
- Ragweed grows wild almost everywhere in the U.S., but it is particularly common on the east coast and the Midwest[4].
- Dust allergies affect people all year round[4].
- According to a 2023 report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Dallas had the highest tree pollen levels in 2022[7].
- Grass pollination tends to begin in late spring in most parts of the U.S., but grass may pollinate in tropical climates for much of the year[4].
- There are many factors that affect a person's decision about where they should live, including climate, weather, and proximity to treatment sources[8].
- Some allergy triggers are not exclusively seasonal but may be more prevalent at certain times of the year due to human activity, such as smoke from campfires, pine needles from Christmas trees, and chlorine in swimming pools[8].
- Dust mites need humid environments to grow, with temperatures of 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity[8].
- People can reduce humidity levels in their homes by using a dehumidifier, ensuring adequate ventilation, regularly dusting and vacuuming, using a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter, hot-washing bedding once per week, and wearing a filter mask with at least a efficiency rating from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health before disturbing dust[8].
- According to the AAFA report, Atlanta had the most days of "very high" ragweed pollen levels, while San Diego had the least[7].
- If a person is unsure of their triggers, it may be beneficial to seek allergy testing from a doctor, especially before deciding to relocate[8].
- Hot and humid climates can encourage mold growth for much of the year[4].
- States such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas may be challenging places to live for people with seasonal mold allergies[4].
- Ragweed is a common cause of weed pollen allergies in the U.S. and tends to begin pollinating in late summer, coming into bloom and releasing its pollen between August and November[4].
References: [1] AAFA Report 2023 [2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America [3] Climate Central [4] American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology [5] Wichita Eagle [6] Dayton Daily News [7] Dallas Morning News [8] AllergyBuddy
- For those with seasonal allergies, the city they reside in can play a significant role in their quality of life.
- Warm, humid climates in cities like Wichita, Kansas, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, are associated with high pollen and mold levels, making them problematic for allergy sufferers.
- Reno, Nevada, on the other hand, offers a reprieve due to its low pollen and allergen levels, making it the best city for indoor allergies.
- In the spring, high tree pollen levels are prevalent across the Southeast and Midwest, contributing to long and intense pollen seasons.
- During humid summers, grass and mold pollens peak, worsening for cities in the South and Florida.
- Fall is marked by high weed pollen levels, particularly in the Plains, Carolinas, and Gulf Coast states, where New Orleans saw a spike due to wetter conditions.
- Mold and dust mites thrive in humid climates, such as those in Florida and the Southeast, while dry climates like Nevada reduce the risks.
- Climate change is escalating pollen levels and expanding allergy seasons across the nation.
- Tree leaves falling and rotting on the ground in fall allow mold to grow.
- In 2022, Dayton, OH, had the lowest tree pollen levels, with the first detection in February and a peak in May.
- Grass pollen seasons are shorter in colder regions, but in tropical climates, grass may pollinate for much of the year.
- Ragweed is widespread in the U.S., with particularly high concentrations on the east coast and Midwest, and it begins pollinating in late summer, coming into bloom and releasing its pollen between August and November.
- Dust mites require humid environments to grow.
- Dehumidifiers, adequate ventilation, regular dusting and vacuuming, HEPA filters, hot-washing bedding weekly, and filter masks can reduce humidity levels at home.
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reported Dallas had the highest tree pollen levels in 2022, and San Diego had the least grass pollen levels.
- Ragweed is a significant trigger for seasonal allergies, and it releases pollen for much of the year in hot and humid climates such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
- Allergy triggers can vary greatly from person to person, emphasizing the importance of considering climate, weather, and proximity to treatment sources before moving cities.
- Non-seasonal triggers like campfire smoke, pine needles, and chlorine swimming pools can also impact allergy sufferers, making them more prevalent at certain times of the year due to human activity.
- Understanding one's specific allergy triggers may be beneficial when deciding to relocate and considering seeking allergy testing from a doctor.
- Workplace-wellness initiatives and health-and-wellness trends are important factors for maintaining overall health, but climate-change induced allergy issues should also be considered when making city-choices.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines can help boost mental and physical health, offering a balanced lifestyle amid allergy concerns.
- Mental-health concerns are equally vital, and science indicates that environmental factors such as humidity can impact one's state of mind.
- Skin-care routines and therapies-and-treatments, especially those aimed at reducing inflammation and hydrating skin, may provide relief for allergy sufferers.
- A healthy diet rich in nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants found in foods such as fatty fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables may bolster the immune system and aid in combating allergies.
- CBD, a component found in the cannabis plant, is known for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, potentially offering relief for allergy sufferers.
- Sustainable-living practices can contribute to cleaner indoor environments by reducing harmful chemicals in products like cleaning supplies and personal care items.
- Pets also contribute to allergens, so it's essential to consider pet-friendly cities, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory issues.
- Budgeting for health care, including medication, doctors' visits, and alternate treatments, can help ensure access to necessary resources for managing allergies effectively.
- Online-education platforms, personal-growth focused resources, and mindfulness practices can help manage stress and mental health concerns associated with living in allergy-prone areas, offering a holistic approach to maintaining wellbeing.
