The Most Challenging U.S. States for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies affect millions of Americans every year, and some states are more affected than others due to their high pollen levels, climate, and other environmental factors. Wichita, Kansas, holds onto its spot as the top 2025 Allergy Capital—for the third year running. If you live there, you know the tree and grass pollen levels are brutal.

If you get seasonal allergies, knowing which states have sky-high pollen counts can help you decide where to live or even where to vacation. The worst states usually combine heavy tree, grass, and weed pollen with weather that just helps allergens spread everywhere.

If you’re an allergy sufferer, try to steer clear of places like Wichita, Dallas, and Scranton. They’re infamous for their high pollen counts and tough conditions for anyone sensitive to allergens.

1. Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s a rough spot for allergy sufferers. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa show up in the top allergy capital rankings year after year.

Oklahoma City actually placed third in the nation for worst allergy conditions recently, just behind Wichita. Oklahomans face some of the nastiest pollen seasons around.

The state is hit hard with tree and grass pollen all spring and summer. If you have respiratory issues, it’s a challenge.

People in Oklahoma use more allergy medication than in most other states. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa rank poorly for allergy med use, which says a lot about the local pollen situation.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) continues to flag Oklahoma for its high pollen counts and heavy allergy burden. If you’re in-state, you probably already know the drill: meds, tissues, repeat.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas is no picnic for allergies either. Little Rock, the capital, is notorious, ranking #6 for 2025 due to high levels of tree, grass, and weed pollen.

Other cities, like Fayetteville, also make the list of the 10 worst cities for seasonal allergies. Little Rock pops up on these “worst cities” lists all the time.

Arkansas’s warm, humid climate is a breeding ground for mold and dust mites. Spring brings tree pollen, summer brings grass pollen, and fall? Ragweed takes over.

Residents often need to be extra careful during peak seasons. Keep an eye on pollen counts, close the windows, and change clothes after being outside. Medications—over-the-counter or prescription—are a must for many.

3. Kansas

Kansas is basically allergy central. The mix of tree, grass, and weed pollen makes it tough to catch a break, no matter the season.

Wichita is one of the most challenging cities for seasonal allergies in the country. High pollen counts and heavy medication use say it all.

Kansas City isn’t much better, ranking high for tree, grass, and weed pollen. The city lands 21st overall for allergy severity.

Spring and fall bring the worst symptoms for most people in Kansas. If you’re here, consider closing the windows and using air purifiers. Starting meds before symptoms flare up can make life a little easier.

4. Texas

Texas is definitely one of the worst states for allergies. The climate and geography just don’t give allergy sufferers a break.

Dallas, Houston, and Austin all land on the “Allergy Capitals” list. Dallas is 13th, Houston’s 26th, and Austin’s 45th.

Allergy season never really ends in Texas. Warm temperatures and shifting seasons keep different pollens in play almost all year.

Mountain cedar, ragweed, and oak pollen are the big villains. If you’re in Texas, brace yourself for a new allergy season every few months.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee is another hotspot for allergies. Several cities here land in the top 20 worst cities for pollen allergies.

Memphis ranks #5 for 2025, with grass and weed pollen making life miserable for many. Chattanooga is #18, thanks to its mountain valley geography and abundant plant life.

Nashville and Knoxville aren’t exactly easy, either. Spring and fall are especially rough, and the state’s warm climate just keeps the pollen coming.

If you’re sensitive, you’ll want to take precautions during peak seasons. It’s a tough state for anyone with allergies.

6. Louisiana

Louisiana’s warm, humid weather is a dream for plants—and a nightmare for allergy sufferers. Pollen’s in the air almost all year.

New Orleans is ranked second-worst in the nation for allergies. Pollen scores and other allergy factors put it near the top for misery.

Recent forecasts say Louisiana has some of the highest pollen levels in the country. If you’re planning a visit, bring your allergy meds.

The state ranks high in overall pollen allergies. If you’re outside in spring or fall, you’ll want to prepare accordingly.

7. North Carolina

North Carolina is tough for people with seasonal allergies. Four of these cities are among the worst places to live with pollen allergies.

Greensboro is ranked #10 for 2025, with high levels of pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Over-the-counter allergy med use is also above average here.

Raleigh isn’t much better. Both cities face heavy pollen seasons, so keep your antihistamines close.

Spring is the worst, with yellow dust covering everything, including cars. If you’re in the Carolinas, prepare for a challenge.

8. Virginia

Virginia isn’t easy on allergy sufferers. Richmond and Virginia Beach both land in the top 10 worst cities for allergies.

Richmond is the 8th worst city in the U.S. for 2025, with high pollen counts and a high use of allergy medications. Virginia Beach is the 11th worst nationwide.

The DMV area (which includes DC, Maryland, and Virginia) is notorious for pollen allergies. If you’re here, keep an eye on local forecasts and shut those windows when pollen’s high.

9. Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks as the 35th worst state for pollen allergies. The allergy score here is 772, which is nothing to sneeze at (pun intended).

Worcester, Springfield, and Boston all hit national allergy rankings. Massachusetts even made the worst allergy list twice in 2023.

Tree and grass pollen are the main culprits here. Spring brings tree pollen, summer brings grass, and fall? Ragweed’s back for more.

If you’re in Massachusetts, check pollen counts daily and keep windows closed. Air purifiers can help, especially during peak seasons.

10. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranks high for allergies, coming in at number 34 for pollen counts. Scranton and other cities are known trouble spots.

Tree pollen is the main issue—birch, oak, and maple dominate spring. The state’s mix of urban and rural areas means allergens can hit from all angles.

Spring and fall are the worst here. Rain can clear the air for a bit, but then plants grow faster and pollen comes back with a vengeance.

If you’re in Pennsylvania, track pollen counts and have your medication ready before the season starts.

11. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a small state, but it packs a punch for those with allergies. It ranks 42nd for pollen allergies, with a score of 791.00.

Providence is ranked sixth worst for spring allergies. High pollen and urban pollutants exacerbate symptoms.

Some reports rank Rhode Island among the worst states for allergies. Providence also lands at number 28 among the 100 worst US cities for allergies.

Spring and fall are brutal here, thanks to all the trees, grasses, and ragweed. You’ll want to prep for multiple peak seasons.

12. Missouri

Missouri ranks 36th worst for pollen allergies. The pollen score is 773.00, which puts it in the mid-range nationally.

St. Louis and Kansas City both appear on “Allergy Capitals” lists. St. Louis is 76th, but both cities can be tough for people with allergies.

Tree, grass, and ragweed pollen all show up at different times, so there’s rarely a break. Spring, summer, and fall each bring their own set of symptoms.

Missouri’s central location means a lot of plant diversity. Weather patterns here can make pollen levels spike unexpectedly.

13. Vermont

Vermont ranks surprisingly high for allergies. It’s at position 19 according to Wyndly’s pollen rankings.

The Northeast, including Vermont, deals with some of the worst allergy issues in the country. Vermont is also one of the worst states for dust mite allergies.

Some studies put Vermont in the top ten for worst allergies overall. The state’s lush greenery is beautiful, but it comes at a cost for people with allergies.

If you’re here during peak seasons, stock up on medications and consider investing in a good air filter. Vermont’s small population doesn’t mean small pollen counts.

14. Kentucky

Kentucky is among the worst states for allergies. Louisville shows up on the top allergy cities list almost every year.

The state’s greenery and climate make spring especially tough, but it doesn’t really let up. Tree pollen in spring, grass in summer, ragweed in fall—it’s a never-ending cycle.

Kentucky ranks 6th worst for pollen allergies in a 2023 report. Local experts suggest staying indoors on high-pollen days and using air purifiers to manage the symptoms.

15. New Jersey

New Jersey ranks 44th out of 50 for pollen allergies, so only six states are worse. The humid coastal climate also makes it one of the worst places for mold allergies.

Tree pollen dominates spring, grass pollen peaks in summer, and the dense population doesn’t help. Air quality can become quite poor, trapping allergens in urban areas.

To cope, keep your windows closed, use an air purifier, and check pollen forecasts before heading outside.

16. New Hampshire

New Hampshire ranks 28th in terms of allergy severity, with a pollen score of 737. It’s not the worst, but it’s certainly not great.

Spring brings tree pollen, summer brings grass pollen, and fall brings ragweed pollen. Basically, there’s always something in the air.

New Hampshire is one of the ten worst states for allergies overall. The forests and open fields mean pollen and allergens have plenty of space to thrive.

If you’re here, you’ll need solid allergy management during peak seasons. The landscape is lovely, but it comes with a price.

17. Ohio

Ohio ranks as the 10th worst state for pollen allergies, with a pollen score of 606.00. That’s pretty high up the list.

Columbus and Toledo both land in the top 50 for worst allergy cities. Cincinnati and Dayton aren’t as bad, but Ohio as a whole is tough.

Spring is the hardest, with tree pollen peaking early and ragweed showing up in late summer. Rural areas seem to add to the overall allergy burden in the state.

If you’re in Ohio, keep an eye on pollen counts and plan ahead. The mix of agriculture, forests, and cities means there’s always something to set off symptoms.

18. New York

New York is on the list of worst states for allergies, with cities like Rochester, Albany, and Syracuse being particularly tough on allergy sufferers.

Spring is brutal with tree pollen, summer brings grass pollen, and ragweed shows up in late summer and early fall. The state’s mix of urban and rural areas means pollen is everywhere.

If you’re in New York, track local pollen counts and keep those windows shut during high season. Air purifiers can help a lot.

19. Michigan

Michigan ranks 13th in terms of pollen allergies, with a pollen score of 632. Allergy seasons here are getting longer and more intense as temperatures go up.

Two Michigan cities made the top 20 worst places for allergies. Tree pollen dominates in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and ragweed pollen in the fall.

If you’re in Michigan, check pollen counts daily. That way, you can plan your outdoor time and avoid the worst days.

20. Maryland

Maryland is one of the worst states in the U.S. for pollen allergies. Spring brings tree pollen, summer brings grass pollen, and fall brings ragweed—so it’s a year-round struggle.

Maryland’s humidity is perfect for mold, which adds another trigger. Urban and rural areas both have their own sources of allergens, so you can’t really escape them.

Pollen counts peak in the morning, so try to plan outdoor activities for later in the day. Keeping windows closed and using an air purifier can significantly improve indoor air quality.

Understanding Allergies and Their Impact

Allergies affect millions of Americans, causing reactions that range from annoying to downright miserable. Your immune system mistakes harmless stuff for threats and overreacts.

What Causes Allergies?

Your immune system gets sensitized to certain substances called allergens. The usual suspects are pollen, pet dander, dust mites, some foods, and insect stings.

When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases chemicals like histamine. That’s what causes the inflammation and all those classic allergy symptoms—runny nose, itchy eyes, you name it.

Seasonal pollen allergies depend on where you live and the time of year. Tree pollen rules spring, grass pollen spikes in summer, and ragweed takes over in fall. Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are among the states with the highest pollen counts, making them tough for people with allergies.

How Allergies Affect Quality of Life

Allergy symptoms can significantly disrupt your day. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and that constant tiredness make it hard to focus at work or school.

Sleep quality drops, which can make you grumpy and less productive. Severe allergies can keep you indoors when pollen’s high, which is a bummer for your social life and fitness.

The financial hit adds up too—medications, doctor visits, missed workdays. States with high allergy rates see more healthcare visits during peak allergy times.

Climate and Environmental Factors

Weather and pollen levels are the main reasons some states are tougher for people with allergies. These factors combine to make allergy seasons longer and more intense.

The Role of Pollen in Allergies

Pollen’s the main villain. Trees release pollen in spring, grasses in summer, and weeds (especially ragweed) in fall.

States with long growing seasons, such as those in the South, have longer allergy seasons. Kansas is at the top of the list of worst states for allergies, partly due to its abundance of plants and farming.

Cities like Wichita and Dallas are allergy hotspots because of the high pollen levels they produce. If you live there, you know the struggle.

Influence of Weather Patterns

Weather changes how pollen affects you. Warm, windy days spread pollen everywhere, while rain can wash it away for a while but may also boost mold spores.

Climate change is making growing seasons longer in many states, which is making allergy periods worse. States with high humidity, like Virginia and South Carolina, have to deal with both pollen and mold.

Temperature swings can cause sudden pollen dumps. The AAFA’s Allergy Capitals report points out that cities like Virginia Beach and Greenville, SC, feel these effects the most.

Preventive Measures and Management

Managing allergies requires a combination of medications and smart habits. A few changes can make a big difference, even in the worst states.

Effective Allergy Medications

Over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin help most people. They work best if you take them before you’re exposed to allergens.

Nasal sprays target congestion and inflammation right where you need them. Saline rinses clear pollen out without meds, but sometimes you’ll need prescriptions or even allergy shots if things get bad.

Medication Type	Examples	Best For
Antihistamines	Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra	Sneezing, itching
Nasal Sprays	Flonase, Nasacort	Congestion, inflammation
Decongestants	Sudafed, Afrin	Temporary congestion relief

Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Symptoms

Check local pollen counts using weather apps or allergy websites and plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Stay indoors when counts are high, especially on windy days.

Keep windows shut in your house and car during allergy season. Air purifiers with HEPA filters help improve indoor air quality, and changing clothes or showering after being outside helps remove pollen that has stuck to you.

Make your bedroom an “allergy-free zone” with special bedding and regular hot washes. Vacuum often with a HEPA filter, and if possible, have someone else handle yard work during allergy season peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allergy sufferers have it tougher in some states than others. Pollen, regional plants, and climate all play a part.

What are the top states with the highest pollen counts that trigger allergies?

Oklahoma leads the way with sky-high pollen counts, especially in spring and early summer. Oak, cedar, and elm trees are the main offenders.

Kansas and Arkansas are right behind, with long allergy seasons due to the extensive farming and diverse plant varieties. Texas is famous for cedar fever and a never-ending spring allergy season.

Which regions in the United States are most prone to ragweed allergies?

The Midwest and Great Plains, including Kansas and Oklahoma, are often plagued by ragweed. Levels can be double or triple the national average in peak season.

The Southeast, including Tennessee and Arkansas, also has long ragweed seasons. Warm, humid weather keeps the pollen coming from late summer into fall.

Pennsylvania and other eastern states aren’t immune. HouseFresh data ranks Pennsylvania in the top ten for overall allergies, with ragweed being a significant reason.

How do states with high allergy rates impact those suffering from asthma?

High-allergy states are risky for folks with asthma. In Oklahoma and Kansas, ER visits for asthma jump by 30% during peak pollen times.

Texas is tricky because it mixes urban air pollution with natural allergens. The 2025 allergy rankings show it’s a tough state for anyone with breathing issues.

In Arkansas, overlapping tree and grass pollen seasons mean months of asthma triggers with barely any breaks.

What cities are considered the most challenging for people with severe allergies?

The AAFA’s Allergy Capitals report identifies Wichita, Kansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Little Rock, Arkansas, as especially tough cities.

Dallas and Houston in Texas deal with high pollen and urban pollution. Both spring and fall bring new waves of allergies.

Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee also rank high. Their humid climate means mold is a problem alongside pollen.

Are there any places considered ideal for living with chronic allergies and sinus conditions?

Coastal areas often give some relief. Ocean breezes help clear pollen, and the plants there don’t usually trigger as many allergies.

Mountain regions with higher elevations have shorter growing seasons, so there’s less pollen overall. Some people swear by dry desert climates in Nevada and Arizona, although desert plants can still cause trouble for a few individuals.

What factors contribute to a state being classified as unfavorable for allergy sufferers?

Climate is huge. Warm, windy springs and long growing seasons, like in Oklahoma and Kansas, mean more pollen.

Farming ramps up grass and weed pollen in states like Arkansas and Tennessee. Urban sprawl and poor air quality exacerbate the problem by trapping allergens.

Wyndly’s 2023 report says the toughest states are those where high pollen and poor air quality collide. If you’re living there, you definitely know it.