North Carolina City Has Been Named the Most Cleanest City in the State

Photo byTown Talks

Wilmington landed on a list ranking America's cleanest cities.

Fortunately for the Port City, it was put in the clean category.

American Lung Association, a voluntary health organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research, ranked 2024's Polluted Cities in America and the top 10 cleanest cities. Wilmington came in 4th on the clean list.

The report grades counties and ranks cities and counties based on their scores for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels. Since 2000, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the "State of the Air" report.

The key insights into America's Polluted Cities were not necessarily because of litterbugs. For example, the top two Polluted -- Bakersfield, CA, and Visalia, CA primarily deal with polluted air, high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and records of drinking water violations.

Topping the list of cleanest cities was Urban Honolulu, HI, followed by Casper, WY, and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI.

These cities were considered to have less noxious air and near-roadway pollution, low excess fuel consumption, and higher resident satisfaction.

After Wilmington at No. 5, here's the rest of the top 10.

#5: Bangor, ME
#6: Cheyenne, WY
#7: Duluth, MN-WI
#8: Colorado Springs, CO
#9: Anchorage, AK
#10: St. George, UT