AAFA 2026 Allergy Capitals Report

The 10 Worst Allergy Cities in America for 2026

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released its 2026 Allergy Capitals report, ranking the 100 most populous U.S. cities based on pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medication use, and availability of allergy specialists. Here are the 10 cities where allergy sufferers face the greatest challenges — and what you can do about it.

Based on pollen scores, OTC medication use & specialist availability

Drug-free relief options for each city

Boise, Idaho

AAFA Rank #1

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Boise tops the AAFA's 2026 list with intense tree pollen starting earlier than ever. Residents face one of the most challenging allergy seasons in the nation.

San Diego, California

AAFA Rank #2

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San Diego's mild, year-round climate creates virtually no 'off season' for pollen. Tree, grass, and weed pollen cycle continuously throughout the year.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

AAFA Rank #3

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Surrounded by the Southern Plains, Tulsa faces nearly nine months of pollen from cedar, elm, oak, grass, and ragweed each year.

Provo, Utah

AAFA Rank #4

Provo's valley geography traps pollen and pollution, amplifying allergy symptoms. The Wasatch Front's unique climate creates a concentrated pollen environment.

Rochester, New York

AAFA Rank #5

Rochester's Great Lakes climate produces heavy tree pollen in spring followed by intense grass and ragweed seasons, creating a long multi-phase allergy season.

Wichita, Kansas

AAFA Rank #6

Located in the heart of the Great Plains, Wichita is surrounded by grasslands that produce some of the highest grass pollen counts in the country.

Raleigh, North Carolina

AAFA Rank #7

Raleigh's lush forests and warm climate produce heavy pine and oak pollen in spring, followed by a prolonged ragweed season that extends into fall.

Ogden, Utah

AAFA Rank #8

Like nearby Provo, Ogden sits in a mountain valley that traps allergens. The combination of high-altitude pollen and valley inversions makes symptoms severe.

Spokane, Washington

AAFA Rank #9

Spokane's dry, sunny climate east of the Cascades creates ideal conditions for tree and grass pollen, with a particularly intense spring allergy season.

#10

Greenville, South Carolina

AAFA Rank #10

Greenville's warm, humid climate extends the pollen season well into fall. The region's diverse tree canopy produces heavy pollen loads from multiple species.

Live in One of These Cities? Here's What Actually Works.

Antihistamines mask symptoms. Sinus rinsing removes the cause. ATO Health 100 Sinus Rinse Packets physically flush pollen and allergens from your nasal passages — drug-free, preservative-free, and pH-balanced for maximum comfort.

The 10 Worst Allergy Cities in America for 2026

Boise, Idaho

San Diego, California

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Provo, Utah

Rochester, New York

Wichita, Kansas

Raleigh, North Carolina

Ogden, Utah

Spokane, Washington

Greenville, South Carolina

Live in One of These Cities? Here's What Actually Works.

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