A city’s flag is a visual representation that aims to capture the municipality’s distinct characteristics and give its residents a sense of unity. Poorly designed flags fail to highlight any of a place’s unique attributes.
Vexillology is the study of flags, and the individuals who create flags are known as vexillographers. They strive to create flags with simple but memorable images while avoiding overcomplicated or generic designs.
Ted Kaye, secretary of North American Vexillological Association and author of a book on vexillology, says the five basic principles of flag design are simplicity, meaningful symbolism, few colors, no lettering or seals, and distinctiveness. The best flags are striking designs that convey a sense of place and beauty. Many draw from the natural environment, depicting local animals, plants, landforms, or attractions. (These are the most visited national parks in the US)
Bad flags have lettering, bland designs, and minimal meaningful symbolism. Several echo generic product labeling and do nothing to capture local personality. Others are over-designed and have extensive intricate patterns and images that would be nearly impossible to make sense of from more than a short distance.
Every year, among other activities, the NAVA rates city flags from around the U.S. To compile a list of the worst-designed examples, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the organization’s recently published 2022 ranking of city flags. NAVA asked its members and the public to rate the designs of 312 flags, all of which have been redesigned since NAVA did its last survey in 2004. Some 308 NAVA members and 2,544 public participants took part in the online survey between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30.
Click here to see the worst city flags in America
Flag designs were rated using a low-to-high scale of 0-10. The numerical ratings for each flag were averaged and the average rating was converted to a letter grade, ranging from F to A+. Only 46 flags were graded A, while 143 received an F. Our list includes the very worst city flags – those with a score of 1.50 or lower. (The states have generally done a better job. Here’s a guide to every state’s flag and what it represents.)
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
43. Canton, Georgia
> Avg score: 1.50/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
42. Oil City, Pennsylvania
> Avg score: 1.50/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
41. New Ashford, Massachusetts
> Avg score: 1.48/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
40. West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
> Avg score: 1.48/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
39. Superior, Colorado
> Avg score: 1.48/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
38. West Hartford, Connecticut
> Avg score: 1.47/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
37. Northglenn, Colorado
> Avg score: 1.47/10
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
36. Middlefield, Massachusetts
> Avg score: 1.45/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
35. Carrollton, Texas
> Avg score: 1.45/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
34. Branson, Missouri
> Avg score: 1.41/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
33. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
> Avg score: 1.40/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
32. Minot, North Dakota
> Avg score: 1.39/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
31. Delaware, Idaho
> Avg score: 1.38/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
30. Milford, Utah
> Avg score: 1.38/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
29. Weatherford, Oklahoma
> Avg score: 1.36/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
28. Gilbert, Arizona
> Avg score: 1.35/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
27. Watson Township, Michigan
> Avg score: 1.34/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
26. New Brighton, Minnesota
> Avg score: 1.34/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
25. Franklin, Wisconsin
> Avg score: 1.34/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
24. Gardner, Kansas
> Avg score: 1.33/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
23. Coal Valley, Illinois
> Avg score: 1.30/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
22. Westfield, Massachusetts
> Avg score: 1.28/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
21. Covington, Washington
> Avg score: 1.27/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
20. Spring Hill, Kansas
> Avg score: 1.27/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
19. Republic, Missouri
> Avg score: 1.26/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
18. Miami Township, Clermont County, Ohio
> Avg score: 1.22/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
17. Azle, Texas
> Avg score: 1.22/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
16. Odessa, Texas
> Avg score: 1.21/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
15. Holly Springs, Mississippi
> Avg score: 1.20/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
14. Richmond Heights, Missouri
> Avg score: 1.20/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
13. Richfield, Minnesota
> Avg score: 1.18/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
12. Woodland, Mississippi
> Avg score: 1.17/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
11. Oolitic, Indiana
> Avg score: 1.16/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
10. Ballwin, Missouri
> Avg score: 1.14/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
9. Balch Springs, Texas
> Avg score: 1.13/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
8. Springfield Township, Sangamon County, Illinois
> Avg score: 1.09/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
7. Caldwell, Idaho
> Avg score: 1.06/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
6. Pontotoc, Mississippi
> Avg score: 1.05/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
5. Belle Glade, Florida
> Avg score: 1.05/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
4. Nitro, West Virginia
> Avg score: 1.04/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
3. Overland Park, Kansas
> Avg score: 0.99/10
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Source: Courtesy of NAVA
2. Westhampton, Massachusetts
> Avg score: 0.97/10
Source: Courtesy of NAVA
1. Ranger, Texas
> Avg score: 0.94/10
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