2023's Top 10 Worst Cities and States for Allergies.

Wichita, Kansas, takes the top spot. The city sits along the Arkansas River in the south-central part of the state and experiences cold, dry and windy winters and hot and humid summers. The city has an abundance of elm and maple trees which creates a large majority of the city’s tree pollen problem. And the flat, windy landscape also creates an environment where pollen from other places can end up in Wichita.

Grass pollen remains a problem year-round. Experts say the last winter freeze in Wichita is occurring earlier and earlier every year, which gives plants more time to grow. Weed pollen is extremely high in Wichita, as well. Slightly less than 50 percent of residents have some kind of seasonal allergy issue. And according to the non-profit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says there are fewer allergists to treat problems, causing it to be worse for those who live there.

McAllen is a growing city situated in the southern part of Texas on the Mexican border near the Gulf of Mexico and claims spot number two on our list. It has a nice, warm climate that allows for a longer growing season. McAllen receives below-average amounts of rainfall – so there isn’t enough to wash away all the pollen. Add that to the fact there are rarely any hard freezes of note in Texas, so the plants pollinate all year long. All of this combines to make McAllen our worst city in the United States for high pollen counts and allergies.

Unlike many cities, allergy season really doesn’t end in McAllen. Tree and grass pollen can cause big problems in the spring and summer. In the fall, it’s ragweed. Research shows an increase in ragweed pollen in Texas over the past 25 years, which certainly doesn’t help. What’s more, the mold count has more than tripled over the past 15 years and it continues to hold at an increased level in the area. 

If those parts of the year aren’t bad enough – winter is the worst. Residents in McAllen end up suffering from cedar fever caused by more pollen made by cedar trees. The symptoms can be so bad, some people think they have the flu.

It’s estimated that as much as 80 percent of the population of McAllen deals with allergies at some point during the year. It’s a growing city and the influx of residents new to Texas, and McAllen in particular, means there are people who may have allergic reactions that have not been exposed to the pollens that fly around in the air there creating new allergy cases.

Oklahoma City is situated right in the middle of the state and is the largest city in Oklahoma. Our number three worst city for allergies does experience cold weather, but it doesn’t last long and it’s relatively mild. For that reason, trees begin to pollinate early and become active as early as February. The area is known for its dry, windy weather and because of its flat terrain, the post-winter wind from the south can send allergen triggers through the city from as far away as Texas. 

Trees – mainly oak, mulberry, and hackberry – that bloom in the spring and create a lot of pollen cause the biggest issues of all allergies for Oklahoma City residents. As the weather warms up, grass brings on the sniffling and sneezing. As many as 75 percent of the residents in Oklahoma City deal with some sort of seasonal allergy.

In northeastern Pennsylvania in the Lackawanna River Valley, you’ll find the city of Scranton and our number four city. It has really cold winters and mild summers. The spring and summer bring average issues with tree pollen. But the most intense portion of allergy season for Scranton residents is August and September when ragweed pollen fills the air. What’s more, rainfall totals in Scranton are generally above average which causes mold spores to be a big issue for allergy sufferers. At least half of the residents of Scranton fight allergies every year.

There is research that shows the warming of our planet is contributing to allergy issues across the country. It makes the winters milder and the blooming season longer. The average temperature for Scranton has actually risen by 2.5 degrees since 1970. And while that may not seem like a lot – it can make a huge difference for the plants and trees that take their cues from nature.

While Orlando may be a Disney lover’s paradise, it is not the happiest place on earth for allergy sufferers. The lack of rain combined with warm temperatures and wind make for a miserable pollen season – which tends to last all year long.

Tree pollen problems can start as early as late December and last through May. Pine is the biggest culprit, followed closely by Maples, American Elms, Bayberry trees, Bluejack Oaks and River Birches.

Grass pollen shows up after winter and ragweed makes its debut in summer. And because of the high humidity and elevation, Orlando has some of the highest counts of mold and dust mites in the United States.

Coming in at number six is Richmond, Virginia which is situated in the eastern-central part of the state at the head of the James River. Its winters are really cold but short, and when it gets warm in early spring it stays warm until well into the fall. 

The growing and blooming season in Richmond begins in late February with tree pollen. The dry winds that come with spring spread them easily and quickly. Grass pollen allergies are a problem in the summer, but in Richmond, it extends well into September and doesn’t truly end until ragweed pollen starts floating in the air. Combine all of those issues with the above-average rainfall which creates an environment ripe for mold allergies. The results mean around 60 percent of Richmond residents deal with the sniffing and sneezing that comes with spring allergies alone.

Memphis is situated in the southwestern corner of Tennessee along the Mississippi River and experiences mild winters and hot, muggy summers. The climate allows for a longer spring season and an extended, more intense allergy season. There are close to 40 different tree pollens that enter the indoor air often during the spring in Memphis. And just as tree pollen begins to die down – grass pollen kicks in with ragweed quickly following. Mold is also a concern because Memphis receives an above-average amount of rainfall.

March and October are the peak months for our seventh worst city for allergies. Between 70 and 75 percent of residents of Memphis suffer from allergies at some point during the year.

Jackson, Mississippi sits along the Pearl River in the western-central part of the state and claims the eighth spot on our list. Winter is short, cold, and wet while summertime is hot, long, and oppressive. Jackson is rich in foliage and mature trees like oak. The bloom season starts early and those trees begin to pollinate with grass and weeds not far behind. The pollen count is well above average and stays high for the spring and the hot, humid summer when the air feels thick and creates an environment where allergens just hang above you. And just as the temperatures are starting to let up – ragweed shows up.

Jackson typically receives an above-average amount of rainfall which contributes greatly to mold allergies. Around 70 percent of Jackson residents have seasonal allergy issues.

New Orleans is full of culture and pollen. Winters are generally mild, and the swampy areas create a persistent presence of moisture. The conditions allow plants to prosper and pollen to thrive. Spring usually lasts from February well into early summer in the city on the Mississippi River – allowing plenty of time for trees to release their pollen. Cedar, elm, oak, and pecan trees are the biggest culprits.

Grass and tree pollen season overlap, which complicates matters for allergy suffers. April through September is the worst part of the year for grass pollens. And as the grass dies down, the ragweed picks up becoming a prime for spring allergy sufferers’ cause from August through November. Allergy season is basically year-round in New Orleans, and one of the reasons the city ranks ninth on our list.

Rounding out the top ten is Hartford, Connecticut. The city sits along the Connecticut River in the center of the state. Connecticut has a high number of trees and other flora, creating an intense tree pollen season that starts in early March and lasts through June. Elder and Red Mulberry trees seem to cause the most trouble. There is no break before the grass season kicks in and runs through August.

Ragweed picks up then and lasts well into winter. It takes a couple of heavy frosts before the ragweed subsides.