A recent study revealed the literal dirt on America’s cities and how much they could use a cleanup. The study looked at pollution levels, how people feel about their living conditions, the state of the infrastructure, and overall happiness with the city vibes. According to this list, let’s look at 18 of America’s dirtiest cities and why they got there.
Houston, Texas
This data comes from a study by LawnStarter. Houston, you’ve got a problem because you’re at number one, with an overall score of 56.02. The city ranks third for pollution and fourth for living conditions. Even so, it’s doing a few things right with better infrastructure and consumer satisfaction rankings.
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is hot on Houston’s heels with an overall score of 55.25. It has a smog issue, ranking 14th in pollution, and life could be better, as it ranks fifth in living conditions. On the plus side, Newarkers are almost at the top of the city satisfaction charts. It seems like they can see the silver lining, even if it’s a bit gray.
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino has the worst air on this list, but don’t write it off just yet. Its residents are the happiest among these cities, and perhaps the California sun keeps their spirits high even when the air quality is low. Even so, the city has an overall dirtiness score of 51.58, so there’s clearly room for improvement.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has its work cut out in more ways than one, scoring 48.30 overall. It’s pretty middle-of-the-road with pollution and living conditions, and the infrastructure could use some TLC. But Detroiters aren’t giving up on their city, as it came fourth in satisfaction, and the residents are hopeful for better days ahead.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Regarding living conditions, Jersey City is doing pretty well, so it’s not all doom and gloom, but the pollution and infrastructure are pulling it down. It has an overall score of 48.11. Clearly, the locals are keeping their heads up and working towards greener pastures. They’re working together to improve their city, one step at a time.
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is struggling across the board, although it’s doing a little better with consumer satisfaction. The city ranks 69th for living conditions and 110 for infrastructure. With an overall score of 47.95, it’s clear there are areas to improve, but the community spirit might guarantee them a cleaner future.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s living conditions are pretty decent, and it’s ranked 12th, but the infrastructure is dragging it down, with a rank of 29. This city proves that even with a bit of dust, you can still have a solid place to call home. The people here are just trying to make the best out of what they’ve got.
Fresno, California
Fresno ranks 31st in pollution and a shocking 81st in living conditions, while its overall dirtiness score is 47.27. The city’s trying to improve things, though, with a slightly better infrastructure score, and it’s clear the city’s not giving up yet. Bit by bit, the community is trying to improve their city.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is doing okay in the pollution and living conditions department, ranking 5th and 25th for those. Unfortunately, it’s suffering in consumer satisfaction, ranking 96. Of course, the residents are hopeful, and local governments have begun several programs to improve their living experience.
Yonkers, New York
Living conditions in Yonkers are relatively okay, although the same can’t be said for infrastructure, as it ranks 128. It has an overall dirtiness score of 46.36, which shows that even in New York, not everything’s bright and shiny. It seems the city’s residents are aware of the issues and are taking steps to address them for a brighter and cleaner future.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport scores 46.34 overall, which isn’t too bad, but it could definitely benefit from some improvements. In particular, its infrastructure isn’t so great as it ranked 46th. The city’s streets are getting some attention with measures to beautify and improve them through local clean-up events and public space renovations.
New York City, New York
Living conditions are great in the heart of the bustling Big Apple, as the city ranks first, although pollution tells a different story, ranking 102nd. Even with the smog, New Yorkers care a lot about their concrete jungle, and they’re trying to green the city. The city has improved recycling programs and community gardens to reduce grime and increase green spaces.
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham has an overall score of 45.74, thanks to its 94th rank in pollution and 3rd rank in living conditions. The city has started several local projects that aim to reduce pollution and improve public amenities because residents take great pride in their community. Hopefully, these measures will work.
Ontario, California
Ontario’s not doing awfully, but it’s not doing great either. It scored a moderate 45.62 overall, with pollution at 8th but some infrastructure issues ranking at 79th. The city’s residents are keen to fix their surroundings, with measures to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion to make the city better.
Los Angeles, California
With all its glitz and glamor, Los Angeles still faces some environmental challenges, ranking 30th in pollution. This mostly comes from the infamous LA traffic, which is why the government is creating policies to reduce car emissions and increase public transit usage. The people here know about the environmental issues, and they’re trying hard to fix them.
Modesto, California
Modesto is feeling the strain in its infrastructure, ranked 112th, although its overall dirtiness score is 45.12. Even so, the community spirit is undefeated, with several programs trying to revitalize and improve aging facilities. Some of these measures include working with local businesses for community clean-ups and green projects.
Palmdale, California
Palmdale has its own set of challenges, scoring 44.53 overall, with pollution at 28th and living conditions at 45th. Local authorities and community groups are working hand in hand on initiatives that aim to improve air quality and public spaces. They’re trying to push Palmdale toward a cleaner future.
Hollywood, Florida
Last but not least, Hollywood, Florida, has a score of 44.22, with pollution ranked 23rd and consumer satisfaction lagging at 97th. But the community’s trying hard to make their city cleaner and more attractive. Some of these include the “Adopt-a-Street” and “Beach Sweep” programs.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
