San Bernardino, California, ranked as the dirtiest city in the United States. The study evaluated pollution, waste infrastructure, living conditions, and resident dissatisfaction, with San Bernardino receiving the lowest score, according to Secret NYC.
San Bernardino has been ranked the dirtiest city in the United States for the second year in a row with a score of 55.34. Phoenix placed seventh, ranking 16th in pollution and third worst for waste infrastructure, as reported by Phoenix New Times. New York City was ranked 35th with a score of 39.86, supported by stronger pollution and waste infrastructure ratings. The study measured air and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and access to junkyards and public restrooms
A LawnStarter study found that despite efforts to improve, New York still scored poorly on living conditions, with Secret NYC noting that “the ongoing air quality alerts lately, as well as wildfire-induced hazy skies recently becoming the new norm here” point to ongoing environmental health challenges. The report stresses the need for cities to focus on cleaner, more livable environments, while also pointing to South Bend, Indiana, which ranked as the cleanest city, as a model of progress.
