What is the most contaminated state in the US?

Asked by: Petra Emmerich  |  Last update: June 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (34 votes)

1. California California is the most polluted state in the US. Six of the most polluted cities are located in California, with Fresno-Madera and Bakersfield being the two areas with the highest levels of particulate pollution. The worst ozone levels can be found in Los Angeles.

What is the dirtiest state in the US?

1. Louisiana. Louisiana often sits at the top of the list of the most polluted states due to a long industrial past and current industrial sites, including petrochemical production, chemical plants, and shipyards.

What is the most toxic state?

The title for most toxic location in the United States goes to a remote, and perhaps surprising location. According to the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), Kotzebue, Alaska, a city of 3,500 residents located 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle takes that dubious honor.

What state in the United States has the worst air quality?

Arizona has the worst air in the United States, followed by California. Our map of the best and worst states for air quality shows the myriad sources and trends of harmful air pollutants.

What state is the hardest to breathe in?

California consistently ranks as the most polluted state in the country.

10 Polluted Places in the United States

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What is the cleanest state in America?

The cleanest states
  1. 1. California Cleanliness Score: 7.36. California is the cleanest state overall with a cleanliness score of 7.36. ...
  2. HawaiiCleanliness Score: 6.94. Hawaii claims second place with a cleanliness score of 6.94. ...
  3. WashingtonCleanliness Score: 6.40.

Which state has the most contaminated water?

Texas. The Lone Star State leads the country in GDP growth and job creation. But it also tops the charts when it comes to radiated drinking water. In addition to radiation, Texas' water has unsafe levels of lead and arsenic due to old pipes and water systems.

What is the most unhealthy state in America?

A 2023 report by The Commonwealth Fund, an independent research group, also found that the U.S. has the highest rate of people diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses when compared to other wealthy nations. As for the unhealthiest state in America, West Virginia claims the No. 1 spot.

Which state is most polluted?

Delhi tops the list of Indian states with the worst AQI in 2024, followed by other northern states. Contributing factors like vehicle emissions, crop burning, and industrial activities, along with seasonal fluctuations, highlight the severe pollution problem.

Which state has the cleanest people?

​​Georgia topped the list as the most hygienic state with a score of 81.9 out of 100. Residents brush their teeth the most frequently at 13.64 times weekly — nearly twice daily. Georgia residents also lead in shower frequency at 7.38 times per week on average.

What is the best state to live in?

The top 10 best states to live in are:
  • Massachusetts.
  • Florida.
  • New Jersey.
  • Utah.
  • New Hampshire.
  • Idaho.
  • Pennsylvania.
  • Wisconsin.

What state has the most chemicals?

The top 10 states with the greatest number of chemical facilities with dangerous chemicals are:
  • California 886.
  • Iowa 874.
  • Kansas 666.
  • Indiana 458.
  • Nebraska 456.
  • Minnesota 429.
  • Ohio 402.
  • Missouri 363.

What is America's unhappiest state?

Louisiana

Louisiana is the unhappiest state in the US, ranking second-to-last for emotional and physical well-being and work environment.

What is the #1 healthiest state in the US?

Hawaii ranks as the healthiest state with a final score of 79.4. It has the lowest PM2. 5 Annual Average Concentration and a relatively low obesity rate.

What is the most feared state in the US?

WHAT ARE THE WORST AND BEST CITIES TO LIVE IF YOU SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES? Overall, Louisiana was ranked the most dangerous state due to its violent crime and social disruption score.

What state has cleanest tap water?

  • Hawaii. #1 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Tennessee. #2 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • South Carolina. #4 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Massachusetts. #5 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Kentucky. #6 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Georgia. #7 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Florida. #8 in Drinking Water Quality.

What state has the most toxic air?

California is the most polluted state in the US. Six of the most polluted cities are located in California, with Fresno-Madera and Bakersfield being the two areas with the highest levels of particulate pollution. The worst ozone levels can be found in Los Angeles.

What is the dirtiest river in the US?

The Mississippi, often called “The Big Muddy,” holds a complex tale of pollution. It stretches across 10 states, bearing the burden of agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urban pollutants. Runoff laden with pesticides and fertilizers from America's heartland flows into this iconic river.

What is the #1 best state to live in?

They then scored each state based on their findings and ranked them. Overall, the study ranked Massachusetts as the best place to live in the U.S. thanks in part to the state's education and health, (where it ranked first in the country), and their quality of life, (where it ranked sixth).

What is the safest state to live in?

Closer look at the top 5 safest states
  • Vermont. Vermont is the safest state in the U.S. due to its neighborhood security, financial health and road safety, according to WalletHub. ...
  • New Hampshire. New Hampshire ranks second, thanks to its low violent crime rates, according to WalletHub. ...
  • Maine. ...
  • Massachusetts and Utah.

What state has the best oxygen?

Top States with the Best Air Quality in 2024
  1. Hawaii. Hawaii consistently ranks as having some of the best air quality in the United States. ...
  2. Maine. Maine's vast forests and low population density significantly affect its clean air status. ...
  3. Vermont. ...
  4. New Hampshire. ...
  5. Virginia. ...
  6. West Virginia. ...
  7. Nebraska. ...
  8. Massachusetts.