The 10 Grossest States (And The Cleanest)
America is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning attractions. However, not every corner of the country is pristine. At times, certain areas can be, shall we say, less than appealing.
Curious about which states might top the list of the “grossest”? A whiff of a landfill on a sweltering summer day or a visit to certain local spots might provide a hint.
We’ve delved into the data to scientifically determine the grossest states in America.
The Grossest States
- Virginia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Delaware
- New York
Continue reading to discover what factors earned these states the dubious distinction of being the grossest in America.
How We Determined This
To quantify “grossness,” we considered several indisputable metrics:
- Air quality
- Landfill percentage
- Spread of communicable illnesses
We evaluated air quality using a comprehensive ranking from Air Filters Delivered.
For landfill data, we referenced the EPA’s statistics detailing the percentage of land occupied by landfills in each state.
Additionally, we consulted the CDC’s data on the prevalence of illnesses such as the flu, as the spread of these diseases certainly contributes to a state’s “gross” reputation.
We also factored in some cultural quirks that might be deemed less than appealing, gauged by Google search interest in:
- Mayo recipes
- Croc fashion
Apologies to mayo enthusiasts and Croc fans; it had to be noted!
Keep reading to find out what distinguishes these ten states in a negative light and which states emerged as the cleanest.
1. Virginia
Regrettably for residents, Virginia claims the title of the grossest state in the US, primarily due to poor air quality. Their penchant for Crocs and mayo-based recipes doesn’t help their case.
2. South Carolina
South Carolina takes the second spot, with below-average air quality and a higher trash volume than many states.
3. North Carolina
Following closely is North Carolina, sharing similar issues with its neighbor. Interestingly, North Carolina has an even stronger affinity for Crocs.
4. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks fourth, with 0.0191% of its land dedicated to landfills, overshadowing its otherwise beautiful landscapes.
5. Texas
Texans may want to keep sanitizer handy, as the state ranks poorly for the spread of illnesses. The flu and other communicable diseases are certainly concerning.
6. New Jersey
New Jersey, the densely populated state, faces a significant trash issue, with 0.0421% of its land allocated to landfills—more than any other state.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut ranks as the sixth grossest state, possibly due to its friendly residents sharing more than just pleasantries—reporting the third highest flu spread.
8. Georgia
Georgia, known for its peaches and Coca-Cola, also finds itself among the grossest states, highlighted by its environmental challenges.
9. Delaware
In Delaware, which ranks second for trash, 0.0399% of its land is occupied by landfills. Their fondness for Crocs is noted as well.
10. New York
New York, despite its cultural landmarks and natural beauty, struggles with trash, air quality, and disease spread, making it one of the grossest states.
These States Aren’t All Gross
While these states might have earned a spot on our “grossest” radar, they each boast unique charms and stunning attractions worth visiting. Notable sites include Luray Caverns, Boneyard Beach, and Big Bend National Park.
Improvements in air quality and waste management could enhance their appeal, but every state has its quirks. After all, who are we to judge?
For a complete ranking of all 50 states, see the table below.
Grossest States
| Rank | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia |
| 2 | South Carolina |
| 3 | North Carolina |
| 4 | Pennsylvania |
| 5 | Texas |
| 6 | New Jersey |
| 7 | Connecticut |
| 8 | Georgia |
| 9 | Delaware |
| 10 | New York |
| 11 | Tennessee |
| 12 | Rhode Island |
| 13 | Ohio |
| 14 | Wisconsin |
| 15 | Vermont |
| 16 | Louisiana |
| 16 | West Virginia |
| 18 | Kansas |
| 19 | Indiana |
| 19 | Kentucky |
| 19 | New Mexico |
| 22 | Maryland |
| 23 | Illinois |
| 24 | Oklahoma |
| 25 | Alabama |
| 26 | Massachusetts |
| 27 | Mississippi |
| 28 | Hawaii |
| 29 | Florida |
| 29 | New Hampshire |
| 31 | California |
| 32 | Oregon |
| 33 | Arkansas |
| 33 | South Dakota |
| 35 | Missouri |
| 36 | North Dakota |
| 37 | Colorado |
| 38 | Minnesota |
| 39 | Washington |
| 40 | Iowa |
| 41 | Arizona |
| 42 | Michigan |
| 43 | Utah |
| 44 | Wyoming |
| 45 | Nevada |
| 46 | Maine |
| 47 | Idaho |
| 47 | Nebraska |
| 49 | Montana |
| 50 | Alaska |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
