When making the decision of where to settle down there is so much to consider. There are the most practical considerations: What are my options for work? Where will we want to raise our children? Do I want to live somewhere urban? Rural? Suburban? What are the schools like? Will I be happy there? For those with seasonal allergies this list of questions becomes even more complicated. Where we decide to live can greatly affect our health.
The Worst US States (and Cities) for Allergies
Below we will rank the top 10 worst places to live for those with allergies.
10. Jackson, Mississippi
The most populous city in Mississippi, Jackson is home to about one fifth of the state’s citizens. Unfortunately, many of them probably suffer from allergies. The winter is short, cold and wet and summer is hot and steamy. The pollen count is above average, and with its above average rainfall, mold is the culprit of many allergies in the state. In fact, around 70% of Jackson’s residents have seasonal allergy issues.
9. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s main commercial airport hosts UPS’s worldwide hub. This is a good thing, as you might need to order some allergy medication ASAP. With its short and mild winters and hot and muggy summers, there is little relief for those with allergies. Louisville did not get its moniker “The Bluegrass State” by accident.
8. Memphis, Tennessee
With its blues clubs on Beale Street, Memphis seems like a wonderful place to spend some time. However, be prepared if you do: mild winters and hot muggy summers offer little relief. When pollination ends for the city’s roughly 40 different tree pollens, ragweed and grass pollen pick up where they left off.
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The county seat of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh offers so much to do and see. It’s what you don’t see, though, that is going to be a problem. Along with its rich history, Pittsburgh has no shortage of pollen-producing trees like elms, Eastern Cedars and Box Elders. Particle pollution from cars and factories won’t do your allergies any favors, either.
6. Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford has been called the “Insurance Capital of the World” due to the high volume of insurance companies in the area, but it won’t protect you from allergens found there. With many allergy-causing trees like oak, ash, elm, maple and birch, you’ll need to do more than file a claim to find relief. As a bonus, Hartford is one of the worst places for asthma sufferers.
5. Providence, Rhode Island
It is home to Brown University and RISD, but there are not a lot of board-certified allergists! Which is unfortunate as about 60% of Providence’s population deal with seasonal allergies. Ragweed is the main trouble-maker here. Typically associated with the fall, in Providence ragweed starts releasing into the air as early as August. The warm days and cool nights make it a perfect environment for ragweed to prosper.
4. Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is home to The National Museum of the United States Air Force. It is also where Orville Wright was born. But that’s not all that’s in the air! Dayton’s winters are cold and windy and its summers long, hot and sticky. With such cold winters, plants and trees bloom synchronously, making for pollen-saturated springs. A small break in July and then the ragweed hits! And to top it all off, above average rainfall brings on the mold.
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
It’s a beautiful city. There’s even a musical with its name! There’s so much to see and do in Oklahoma City. However, tornadoes have been known to strike there, and so have allergies. With a rather short, and relatively mild cold season, pollination happens early and is active as early as February.
2. McAllen, Texas
McAllen is the 21st most populous city in the Lonestar State, but it takes the cake in regards to allergens. With its pleasant and warm climate and below average rainfall, there is little washing away of the pollen, allowing allergy season to go on and on without an end in sight! Trees and grass bring troubles to those with allergies during the spring. In the summer and the ragweed is no picnic either. The mold count in McAllen has tripled over the past 15 years, and winter offers no break with cedars. Those with seasonal allergies in McAllen compare their symptoms to the flu.
1. Wichita, Kansas
As a regional center of culture, media and trade, Wichita is home to several universities, large museums, theaters and parks. It is the largest city in Kansas, which means there are a lot of allergy sufferers. Wichita falls into the category of the highest pollen level region in the country. That’s a lot of pollen.
Oh, Allergies
So much to consider as we look for a place to call home, and what can be more important than our health? We now know where the allergens are, and now we can figure out how to manage when we find ourselves in one of these fine, aforementioned cities that made the list. And we can ask ourselves: How can I alleviate my seasonal allergies? You can do it! Just bring your tissues.
If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
