Albany Named One of America’s Rattiest Cities, Jumps 10 Spots

Albany has its share of problems, but apparently we can add another to the list: rats!

According to pest control company Orkin, Albany has made the annual list of America's 50 Rattiest Cities, and it's moving in the wrong direction.

Albany's Rat Problem Is Growing

This week, Orkin released its 2026 rankings this week, and Albany jumped 10 spots, from No. 49 last year to No. 39 this year.

Even more surprising, Albany is the only Upstate New York city in the Top 50.  No Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse.

Photo: Canva

Meanwhile, New York City ranked third nationally, behind Chicago and Los Angeles, which claimed the top spot, according to Orkin's data.

Where Are All These Rats?

As an Albany resident, I'll admit our city has its share of issues. But honestly, I can't remember the last time I saw an actual rat; the River Rats left us about 15 years ago. But the four-legged kind? Not so much.
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The old condo building I live in had a minor mouse problem for a few years, but thankfully, my friends at a local pest control helped take care of that.

How Did Albany Make the List?

Orkin based its rankings on new residential rodent treatments between August 9th, 2025, and August 9th, 2026. And while this list technically isn't a rat "census," the rankings reflect treatment activity for both rats and mice, not the actual number of rodents living in each city.

Still, jumping 10 spots isn't exactly something to celebrate.

The Top Ten Worst for Mice and Rats

1. Los Angeles, California — No. 1 for the second straight year.

2. Chicago, Illinois — Held the top spot for 10 consecutive years before losing its crown.

3. New York City, New York — The Big Apple holds steady at No. 3.

4. San Francisco, California — Remains at No. 4.

5. Washington, D.C. — Climbed one spot.

6. Detroit, Michigan — Up one spot.

7. Cleveland, Ohio — Jumped four spots.

8. Denver, Colorado — Climbed two spots.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Dropped one spot.

10. Baltimore, Maryland — Climbed two spots.