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Sneezy? These are the worst-ranked cities for allergies

Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, California, topped the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's latest allergy rankings, a surprise given both cities ranked outside the top 90 in 2025.
Hannah Jaffee, research director for the AAFA, attributed the shift to tree pollen seasons starting earlier and peaking higher, with about half of the top 20 cities now in the western U.S.
Jaffee described the current season as a "triple threat" of longer, more intense, and more allergenic pollen affecting the nation. About one in three people in the U.S. experiences allergies.
Experts recommend monitoring pollen counts, keeping windows closed, and showering at night to reduce exposure. MERV 13 and HEPA filters also help manage indoor allergens.
Weather and climate shifts cause significant annual variability, meaning cities ranking low can suddenly top the list. Jaffee cautioned against using rankings as a relocation guide.

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