Is New York the dirtiest city in U.S.?

New York City is not considered the dirtiest city in the United States, according to several surveys and studies conducted over the years. While some aspects of urban cleanliness can be subjective, the general consensus is that there are numerous cities in the U.S. that rank higher than New York City when it comes to dirtiness.

For instance, a study conducted by the company RentCafe in 2021 analyzed various metrics related to cleanliness, such as the number of rats, garbage disposals, and air quality. The study found that San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Chicago ranked higher than New York City in terms of perceived dirtiness. Another report, published in 2019 by the personal finance website WalletHub, ranked New York City as the 29th dirtiest city out of the 150 largest cities in the U.S.

However, it's worth noting that these rankings can vary depending on specific criteria and methodologies. Rankings may consider different aspects of urban environments such as crime rates, sanitation services, street conditions, air pollution, and overall appearance. Additionally, perceptions of cleanliness can vary among residents and visitors, and what some consider dirty may not be the same for others.

To address concerns about cleanliness, New York City has various sanitation initiatives and programs in place. The city's Department of Sanitation works to collect and dispose of waste, maintain streets, and promote recycling. Regular street sweeping, litter removal, and other cleaning efforts are part of the city's ongoing efforts to keep its neighborhoods tidy and sanitary.