New Study Reveals the Top 10 Smelliest Cities in the U.S.
Turns out, some cities don’t just leave a mark on your memory…they linger in your nose.
A new study from Prilla dug into odor-related factors across America’s 74 largest cities, and the results are… less than fragrant.
The analysis looked at everything from sewage complaints and landfill density to unhealthy air days, industrial facilities, pet ownership, and even Google searches for “why does my city smell?” The findings might make you think twice about what’s really in the air during your morning commute.
Below are the 10 smelliest cities in the U.S., counting down to the one that truly takes the crown.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago tallied more than 62 sewage complaints per 100,000 residents and nearly 300 industrial facilities within city limits, pushing it onto the smelly list. Still, the Windy City has its saving grace—its lakeside setting and constant breezes can help whisk away some of that urban funk.
9. Portland, Oregon
Portland may be known for coffee and craft beer, but the numbers tell a different story: five landfills per 100,000 people and nearly 32 sewage complaints land it in the top 10. That said, Portland’s eco-conscious community continues to invest in green spaces and sustainability efforts, giving the city plenty of fresh corners despite the stats.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix had 114 unhealthy air days in 2024 and logged more than 40 sewage complaints per 100,000 people, placing it among the smellier cities. But desert sun and wide-open skies mean you’ll still catch whiffs of blooming desert plants when the season is right.
7. Long Beach, California
With over 30 sewage complaints per 100,000 residents and more than 100 industrial facilities, Long Beach struggles to keep odors under control. On the flip side, its oceanfront location and salty sea air can help temper the worst of the city’s industrial smells.
6. Anaheim, California
Anaheim deals with three landfills per 100,000 people and significant unhealthy air days, putting it high on the odor index. Yet the city is also home to Disneyland, where cotton candy and churros do their best to mask less-pleasant scents.
5. Riverside, California
Riverside ranks here thanks to a whopping 164 unhealthy air days, one of the highest totals in the study. Still, its citrus heritage and warm weather give the city a sweet side that locals know and love.
4. Orlando, Florida
Orlando may be the land of theme parks, but its landfill count, over six per 100,000 people, makes it one of the smellier U.S. spots. Thankfully, the scent of popcorn and sunscreen around the parks often wins out over less pleasant aromas.
3. New York City, New York
Despite fewer industrial facilities than Houston or LA, New York racks up nearly 80 sewage complaints per 100,000 people, the highest among the top three. Still, the Big Apple has its redeeming fragrances too, from bagels to roasted nuts on every corner.
2. Los Angeles, California
With 134 unhealthy air days and more than 62 sewage complaints per 100,000 people, LA finds itself near the top of the stink list. But step onto the beach in Santa Monica or Malibu, and the ocean air can remind you why people still flock here.
1. Houston, Texas
Houston takes the crown with a “freshness score” of just 56.09, driven by nearly 700 industrial facilities, 63 unhealthy air days, and almost 50 sewage complaints per 100,000 residents. Yet the city’s rich food scene, Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Viet-Cajun flavors make it one of the most aromatic destinations in a good way, too.
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