City With the Worst Pollen in Every State

Special Report

Michael B. Sauter, Samuel Stebbins, Grant Suneson

Published: April 4, 2019 6:00 pm

Last Updated: February 17, 2020 4:44 pm

Pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers and unfortunately it is tough to avoid. While it can be easier to avoid certain types of allergy triggers, such as food or pets — some types of dogs don’t even trigger allergies — it’s far more difficult to avoid pollen when outdoors.

Plants seasonally release pollen grains as a way of reproducing. Yet much of this pollen never reaches its destination, instead finding its way up people’s noses and causing allergic reactions. Allergy sufferers report sneezing, runny noses, and itchy and watery eyes.

As plants begin blooming, spring is often the time of year when people with pollen allergies have the most severe reactions. Pollen is the most plentiful during dry and windy days. Areas that are farther north are less likely to experience high pollen counts. People in the coldest cities in the country do not have to worry about plants blooming earlier in the year, and the higher rainfall totals also stops pollen from traveling as rain drops capture pollen in the air.

In each state, there is one city where pollen levels stand out from the rest of the state. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed Pollen.com’s National Allergy Map to determine the city in each state with the highest average springtime pollen counts over the most recent 30 day period. No data was available for Alaska or Hawaii.

Some parts of the country have more pollen than others. In certain states in the Midwest, the city with the most pollen only reaches a low-medium level, as designated by pollen.com, while states in other regions have multiple cities with high pollen counts.

Click here to see the city with the worst pollen in every state
Click here to see the city with the least severe pollen in every state

Methodology

24/7 Wall St. reviewed Pollen.com’s National Allergy Map to determine the city in each state with the highest average pollen count. Cities were ranked on the average pollen index score on a 0-12 scale each day from March 5 through April 4. No data was provided for Alaska or Hawaii.

Worst Pollen

Alabama: Auburn
> Avg. pollen index 9.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Oak, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Alabama

[in-text-ad]

Alaska: No Data Available

See all stories featuring: Alaska

Arizona: Phoenix
> Avg. pollen index 10.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Mulberry, Ash, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Arizona

Arkansas: Conway
> Avg. pollen index 9.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Arkansas

24/7 Wall St.
The Best Dogs for People With Allergies

California: San Diego
> Avg. pollen index 8.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Mulberry, Juniper, Ash

See all stories featuring: California

Colorado: Pueblo
> Avg. pollen index 8.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Oak, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Colorado

Connecticut: Hartford
> Avg. pollen index 6.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Connecticut

[in-text-ad-2]

Delaware: Dover
> Avg. pollen index 7.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Delaware

Florida: Orlando
> Avg. pollen index 10.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Oak, Bayberry

See all stories featuring: Florida

Georgia: Augusta
> Avg. pollen index 10.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Poplar, Maple

See all stories featuring: Georgia

Hawaii: No Data Available

See all stories featuring: Hawaii

[in-text-ad]

Idaho: Lewiston
> Avg. pollen index 6.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Ash, Birch

See all stories featuring: Idaho

Illinois: Rockford
> Avg. pollen index 4.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Illinois

Indiana: Evansville
> Avg. pollen index 7.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Maple, Elm

See all stories featuring: Indiana

ALSO READ: The 25 Worst Cities for People With Spring Allergies

Iowa: Council Bluffs
> Avg. pollen index 5.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Birch, Alder

See all stories featuring: Iowa

Kansas: Wichita
> Avg. pollen index 6.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Kansas

Kentucky: Hopkinsville
> Avg. pollen index 8.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Maple, Elm

See all stories featuring: Kentucky

[in-text-ad-2]

Louisiana: New Orleans
> Avg. pollen index 10.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Bald Cypress, Oak, Grasses

See all stories featuring: Louisiana

Maine: Portland
> Avg. pollen index 3.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Poplar, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Maine

Maryland: Silver Spring
> Avg. pollen index 8.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Alder

See all stories featuring: Maryland

Massachusetts: Springfield
> Avg. pollen index 6.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Massachusetts

[in-text-ad]

Michigan: Sterling Heights
> Avg. pollen index 4.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Michigan

Minnesota: Minneapolis
> Avg. pollen index 3.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Minnesota

Mississippi: Jackson
> Avg. pollen index 9.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Mississippi

ALSO READ: 27 Effects of Climate Change That Can’t Be Stopped

Missouri: St. Louis
> Avg. pollen index 7.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Missouri

Montana: Great Falls
> Avg. pollen index 5.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Montana

Nebraska: Omaha
> Avg. pollen index 5.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Birch, Alder

See all stories featuring: Nebraska

[in-text-ad-2]

Nevada: Las Vegas
> Avg. pollen index 10.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Mulberry, Ash, Alder

See all stories featuring: Nevada

New Hampshire: Manchester
> Avg. pollen index 2.7/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Poplar, Juniper

See all stories featuring: New Hampshire

New Jersey: Camden
> Avg. pollen index 7.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper

See all stories featuring: New Jersey

New Mexico: Roswell
> Avg. pollen index 9.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Poplar, Elm

See all stories featuring: New Mexico

[in-text-ad]

New York: New York
> Avg. pollen index 6.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper

See all stories featuring: New York

North Carolina: Charlotte
> Avg. pollen index 9.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: North Carolina

North Dakota: Bismarck
> Avg. pollen index 2.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: North Dakota

24/7 Wall St.
Cities Where You Don’t Want to Get Sick

Ohio: Cincinnati
> Avg. pollen index 6.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Alder

See all stories featuring: Ohio

Oklahoma: Lawton
> Avg. pollen index 9.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Hackberry, Maple

See all stories featuring: Oklahoma

Oregon: Medford
> Avg. pollen index 6.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Alder, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Oregon

[in-text-ad-2]

Pennsylvania: Lancaster
> Avg. pollen index 7.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Pennsylvania

Rhode Island: Warwick
> Avg. pollen index 5.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Rhode Island

South Carolina: Columbia
> Avg. pollen index 10.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Poplar, Maple

See all stories featuring: South Carolina

South Dakota: Rapid City
> Avg. pollen index 3.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: South Dakota

[in-text-ad]

Tennessee: Chattanooga
> Avg. pollen index 8.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Tennessee

Texas: Laredo
> Avg. pollen index 10.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Mulberry, Willow

See all stories featuring: Texas

Utah: St. George
> Avg. pollen index 8.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Mulberry, Ash, Alder

See all stories featuring: Utah

ALSO READ: States Where People Are Too Sick to Work

Vermont: Brattleboro
> Avg. pollen index 5.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Poplar, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Vermont

Virginia: Richmond
> Avg. pollen index 9.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Birch

See all stories featuring: Virginia

Washington: Seattle
> Avg. pollen index 8.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Birch, Ash, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Washington

[in-text-ad-2]

West Virginia: Beckley
> Avg. pollen index 8.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Birch, Juniper

See all stories featuring: West Virginia

Wisconsin: Madison
> Avg. pollen index 5.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Wisconsin

Wyoming: Evanston
> Avg. pollen index 5.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Poplar, Sycamore

See all stories featuring: Wyoming

Least Severe Pollen

Alabama: Huntsville
> Avg. pollen index 9.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Ash, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Alabama

[in-text-ad]

Alaska: No Data Available

See all stories featuring: Alaska

Arizona: Tucson
> Avg. pollen index 9.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Mulberry, Ash

See all stories featuring: Arizona

Arkansas: Jonesboro
> Avg. pollen index 8.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Birch, Willow

See all stories featuring: Arkansas

ALSO READ: 12 Ways to Fight Lung Disease

California: San Jose
> Avg. pollen index 7.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Ash, Alder, Juniper

See all stories featuring: California

Colorado: Fort Collins
> Avg. pollen index 5.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Colorado

Connecticut: Bridgeport
> Avg. pollen index 6.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Connecticut

[in-text-ad-2]

Delaware: Wilmington
> Avg. pollen index 7.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Delaware

Florida: Miami
> Avg. pollen index 8.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Bayberry, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Florida

Georgia: Savannah
> Avg. pollen index 9.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Birch, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Georgia

Hawaii: No Data Available

See all stories featuring: Hawaii

[in-text-ad]

Idaho: Idaho Falls
> Avg. pollen index 4.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Poplar, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Idaho

Illinois: Champaign
> Avg. pollen index 4.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Illinois

Indiana: South Bend
> Avg. pollen index 2.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Maple

See all stories featuring: Indiana

24/7 Wall St.
The Best Dogs for People With Allergies

Iowa: Sioux City
> Avg. pollen index 3.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Maple

See all stories featuring: Iowa

Kansas: Salina
> Avg. pollen index 5.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Kansas

Kentucky: Covington
> Avg. pollen index 6.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Alder

See all stories featuring: Kentucky

[in-text-ad-2]

Louisiana: Monroe
> Avg. pollen index 9.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Bald Cypress, Grasses

See all stories featuring: Louisiana

Maine: Bangor
> Avg. pollen index 2.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Poplar, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Maine

Maryland: Baltimore
> Avg. pollen index 7.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Maryland

Massachusetts: Worcester
> Avg. pollen index 5.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Poplar, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Massachusetts

[in-text-ad]

Michigan: Grand Rapids
> Avg. pollen index 2.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Birch

See all stories featuring: Michigan

Minnesota: Duluth
> Avg. pollen index 1.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Minnesota

Mississippi: Southaven
> Avg. pollen index 8.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Birch, Willow

See all stories featuring: Mississippi

24/7 Wall St.
The 25 Worst Cities for People With Spring Allergies

Missouri: Kansas City
> Avg. pollen index 5.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: Missouri

Montana: Bozeman
> Avg. pollen index 1.9/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: Montana

Nebraska: North Platte
> Avg. pollen index 4.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Nebraska

[in-text-ad-2]

Nevada: Reno
> Avg. pollen index 6.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Alder, Mulberry

See all stories featuring: Nevada

New Hampshire: Lebanon
> Avg. pollen index 2.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: New Hampshire

New Jersey: Toms River
> Avg. pollen index 6.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Alder, Juniper

See all stories featuring: New Jersey

New Mexico: Farmington
> Avg. pollen index 8.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Poplar, Elm

See all stories featuring: New Mexico

[in-text-ad]

New York: Syracuse
> Avg. pollen index 2.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Alder

See all stories featuring: New York

North Carolina: Raleigh
> Avg. pollen index 9.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Birch, Juniper, Maple

See all stories featuring: North Carolina

North Dakota: Fargo
> Avg. pollen index 1.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: North Dakota

24/7 Wall St.
27 Effects of Climate Change That Can’t Be Stopped

Ohio: Toledo
> Avg. pollen index 2.5/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Alder

See all stories featuring: Ohio

Oklahoma: Tulsa
> Avg. pollen index 8.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Elm, Maple

See all stories featuring: Oklahoma

Oregon: Eugene
> Avg. pollen index 6.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Oregon

[in-text-ad-2]

Pennsylvania: Erie
> Avg. pollen index 2.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm, Maple

See all stories featuring: Pennsylvania

Rhode Island: Providence
> Avg. pollen index 5.6/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Elm, Juniper

See all stories featuring: Rhode Island

South Carolina: Greenville
> Avg. pollen index 9.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Poplar, Maple

See all stories featuring: South Carolina

South Dakota: Aberdeen
> Avg. pollen index 1.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: South Dakota

[in-text-ad]

Tennessee: Jackson
> Avg. pollen index 8.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Birch, Willow

See all stories featuring: Tennessee

Texas: Austin
> Avg. pollen index 9.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Oak, Mulberry, Grasses

See all stories featuring: Texas

Utah: Sandy
> Avg. pollen index 5.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Elm, Poplar, Sycamore

See all stories featuring: Utah

ALSO READ: 10 Health Benefits of Having a Beard in the Winter

Vermont: Essex Junction
> Avg. pollen index 1.8/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Maple, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Vermont

Virginia: Arlington
> Avg. pollen index 8.1/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Alder

See all stories featuring: Virginia

Washington: Spokane
> Avg. pollen index 6.0/12
> Most common pollen types: Alder, Ash, Birch

See all stories featuring: Washington

[in-text-ad-2]

West Virginia: Wheeling
> Avg. pollen index 5.4/12
> Most common pollen types: Juniper, Elm

See all stories featuring: West Virginia

Wisconsin: Green Bay
> Avg. pollen index 3.3/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Alder

See all stories featuring: Wisconsin

Wyoming: Rock Springs
> Avg. pollen index 3.2/12
> Most common pollen types: Maple, Juniper, Poplar

See all stories featuring: Wyoming

100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool

The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.

Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.

A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.

Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.