The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its annual Allergy Capitals report on March 10, ranking the most challenging U.S. cities for people living with seasonal pollen allergies. Boise, Idaho, topped the list this year due to higher-than-average pollen levels and a shortage of allergy specialists.
The report is significant as more than 106 million Americans experience allergies each year, with many affected by worsening pollen seasons. The AAFA said that extreme weather events and rising temperatures linked to climate change are making pollen seasons longer and more intense, leading to increased health risks for millions.
Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA, said, “Allergies disrupt sleep, undermine concentration, keep children home from school, and keep adults from work. We are experiencing a widening health threat fueled by climate change.” He added that extreme weather events contribute to higher pollen levels and longer allergy seasons. “This report is a call to action for policymakers: We need climate solutions, and we need them now.”
The top 20 cities in the 2026 rankings include Boise; San Diego; Tulsa; Provo; Rochester; Wichita; Raleigh; Ogden; Spokane; Greenville; San Francisco; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; Richmond; Colorado Springs; Little Rock; Toledo; New Orleans; Winston-Salem; and Lakeland. The AAFA’s methodology considers annual pollen counts, over-the-counter allergy medicine use, and the number of allergists in each city area.
Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Officer at AAFA, said that long pollen seasons make managing allergies and asthma more difficult. “Long and potent pollen seasons make managing allergies and asthma more challenging, leading to increased health care costs and missed days of school and work,” she said. Carver also called for policy changes at all government levels to address these challenges.
Kris Klein, CEO of Pollen Sense—a partner in the report—said monitoring local pollen counts can help individuals manage their symptoms: “When you are aware of pollen levels, you can make an informed decision about time spent outdoors... This report provides both tools for understanding pollen allergies and actionable insight to promote policy change.”
The AAFA was founded in 1953 as a non-profit patient organization focused on improving quality of life for those affected by asthma or allergic diseases through support programs, advocacy efforts, education initiatives, research projects such as this annual ranking.
