USA’s dirtiest city identified
In this DML Report…
A study by Oxi Fresh, released on April 24, 2025, identifies New York City as the dirtiest metro area in the U.S., outranking 35 other major cities, including Baltimore. The assessment evaluated factors like rodent and roach infestations, air and water quality, litter, vandalism, and population density, with NYC scoring the lowest due to its 8 million residents, widespread pest issues, and dense urban environment. Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood was highlighted as the city’s dirtiest zip code, facing the most severe cleanliness challenges.
However, previous studies have pointed to Baltimore as the dirtiest city. A 2023 House Fresh report ranked Baltimore at the top, citing over 47,000 sanitation complaints per 100,000 residents, far ahead of other cities like Sacramento. The 21213 zip code in Baltimore was noted as the country’s dirtiest, with local leaders hoping the ranking would spur community clean-ups. More recent 2024 studies from LawnStarter shifted focus, naming Houston as the dirtiest due to pollution, cockroach infestations, and greenhouse gas emissions, with Baltimore ranking lower but still struggling with rodent issues.
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The discrepancy likely stems from differing methodologies and timeframes. Oxi Fresh’s 2025 study emphasizes population density and broader urban metrics, where NYC’s scale amplifies its issues, while House Fresh focused on resident complaints, highlighting Baltimore’s sanitation struggles. LawnStarter’s pollution-centric approach favored Houston. These shifts suggest that while NYC currently holds the title, Baltimore’s sanitation challenges remain significant, and rankings depend heavily on the criteria used.