The Worst States to Live in if You Have Allergies

Spring means sunshine, blooming flowers, and those pesky seasonal allergies for some. Seasonal allergy symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and sometimes a cough, according to Healthline.

So who is suffering the most? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American breaks it down based on 2016 data. Each area is assigned a score based on the preponderance of pollen, allergy medication utilization, and board certified allergists per patients. The total average allergy score is 62.53, so scores over this level means you are likely suffering from allergies. Which areas have the most sufferers? No 3’s ranking is just plain weird.

15. Massachusetts

• Allergy score: 70.91

Residents living in Springfield, specifically are going to suffer more than others in the state. While Springfield, Massachusetts received a relatively average overall pollen score, the city and state rank rose from 26 to 20.

Next: This is another state that saw allergies increase.

14. North Carolina

• Allergy score: 71.14

If you live in Winston-Salem, you may be sneezing a little more than the rest in North Carolina. The city received an average pollen score, but is seeing more allergies, as rankings increased from 24 to 19.

Next: Sufferers are hit in a few places in this state.

13. Louisiana

• Allergy score: 74.12 (New Orleans), 74.99 (Baton Rouge)

A few cities in the Big Easy are hit hardest, which includes New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Both areas rank high for sufferers, but about average for pollen exposure.

Next: Pollen levels are high in this area.

12. Virginia

• Allergy score: 75.35

Richmond, Virginia has pretty high pollen levels during spring. While allergies in Richmond seem to have gotten better, the area still ranks pretty high for suffering.

Next: People living in this area brace for spring allergies.

11. South Carolina

• Allergy score: 76.77

If you live in Columbia, South Carolina you are especially vulnerable to rising pollen levels. The area rose in rankings too, which means allergies are getting worse.

Next: Top 10 worse places you can live for allergies begins with…

10. Arkansas

• Allergy score: 77.31

While pollen levels remain about average, the overall score is pretty bad if you live in Little Rock. The area ranking remained pretty consistent year over year.

Next: People are sneezing quite a bit here.

9. Ohio

• Allergy score: 78.69

Residents in Dayton, Ohio are being hit pretty hard with seasonal allergies, which includes a boom in pollen levels. The good news is the area used to rank a little worse previously, so allergy levels seem to be improving.

Next: This area holds steady, but is still tough on allergies.

8. Rhode Island

• Allergy score: 81.54

While pollen levels are about average, people who live in Providence, Rhode Island are still smacked with seasonal sneezing, coughing and dabbing watery eyes.

Next: People are hit in a few areas within this state.

7. Oklahoma

• Allergy score: 74.71 (Tulsa), 83.61 (Oklahoma City)

You can’t go far in Oklahoma without having to deal with seasonal allergies. Pollen levels are pretty bad if you live in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with folks in Oklahoma City getting hit a little worse. Good news? Both cities seem to be seeing allergy easing from year over year.

Next: Spring allergies are no joke in this area.

6. Kansas

• Allergy score: 86.82

Although Wichita, Kansas’s ranking remained relatively consistent year over year, it is still a tough place if you have allergies. Both pollen and overall scores were pretty bad so hopefully residents keep a box of tissue on hand.

Next: Allergies are bigger in this state.

5. Texas

• Allergy score: 87.31

Everything is bigger in the Lone Star State and allergies are no exception. If you live in McAllen, Texas expect to sneeze and wheeze a little more. Pollen levels are high here too.

Next: You might see a lot of sneezing during this big event.

4. Kentucky

• Allergy score: 87.88

Grab some tissues and allergy medicine before you leave for the Kentucky Derby this Spring as you’ll need it. Louisville, Kentucky residents (and visitors) seem to get smacked hard with allergies, even though pollen levels appear to be under control.

Next: Something odd is happening in this state for allergies.

3. New York

• Allergy score: 79.31 (Buffalo), 87.97 (Syracuse)

New York has two cities ranked as being some of the worst places for allergies. However, one interesting trend emerged. Both Buffalo and Syracuse allergy rankings rose dramatically year over year.

In 2015 Buffalo ranked 36, but rose to 10 in 2016. Syracuse ranked 20 in 2015 but held number three in 2016. Sure, pollen levels are high in both areas, but the ranking shift is startling.

Next: Here’s another state with two big hits.

2. Tennessee

• Allergy score: 81.32 (Knoxville), 94.74 (Memphis)

It’s pretty tough living in Tennessee if you suffer from seasonal allergies. It’s bad enough dealing with the pollen levels in Knoxville, which are about average. But it is far worse in Memphis where pollen is everywhere.

Next: Literally the worse place you can be for allergies.

1. Mississippi

• Allergy score: 100.00

It can’t get much worse for residents living in Jackson, Mississippi. Pollen levels are high and the area ranked first not only this year, but the previous year too.

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