The Most Challenging U.S. Cities for Those with Seasonal Allergies

After surviving another harsh winter, the arrival of warmer spring temperatures should have been a cause for celebration. But as allergy season takes hold, those affected by seasonal allergies—often known as “hay fever”—might find themselves wishing they lived elsewhere. Somewhere where the allergy season isn’t as intense, to be specific.

So, where exactly is that? Which locations should people with seasonal allergies steer clear of? These are some of the questions the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) aimed to address in their annual Allergy Capitals report. Below are their findings from 2022.

Factors Considered in the Allergy Capitals Report

To assess how difficult it is to cope with spring or fall allergies in various U.S. cities, the AAFA considered the following factors in their 2022 Allergy Capitals report:

• Pollen levels in the spring

• Pollen levels in the fall

• Usage of over-the-counter medications

• Access to board-certified allergists/immunologists

Data was gathered from the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

The 10 most challenging cities for individuals with seasonal allergies

While over 50 million Americans suffer from various allergies, the impact isn’t the same for everyone. Some may only experience mild symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose for a short period each year, while others endure months of exhaustion and more severe symptoms, which can, at times, be debilitating.

If you belong to this group, you understand how severe it can become, and why someone might want to consider the intensity of seasonal allergies when thinking about relocating to a new city. According to the AAFA’s report, this would mean steering clear of Scranton, PA, which earned the title of 2022 Allergy Capital of the U.S. due to its:

• Above-average spring pollen levels

• Above-average fall pollen levels

• Fewer board-certified allergists/immunologists

Here’s a complete list of the top 10 most challenging cities for individuals with seasonal allergies:

1. Scranton, Pennsylvania

2. Wichita, Kansas

3. McAllen, Texas

4. Richmond, Virginia

5. San Antonio, Texas

6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

7. Hartford, Connecticut

8. Buffalo, New York

9. New Haven, Connecticut

10. Albany, New York

Top 10 Cities Where Seasonal Allergies Are Least of a Concern

Although no city is completely free from allergies, the AAFA has identified these as the least troublesome for those suffering from seasonal allergies:

1. Fresno, California

2. Phoenix, Arizona

3. Provo, Utah

4. Denver, Colorado

5. Sacramento, California

6. Portland, Oregon

7. San Jose, California

8. San Francisco, California

9. Durham, North Carolina

10. Seattle, Washington

You can view the full report and check where your city stands by visiting the AAFA website.