Numbers Don’t Lie: The New York Cities Ranked America’s Dirtiest

No Exactly Brag-Worthy

While most New York State cities hope to be recognized for their scenic beauty, historical charm, or vibrant food scenes, not every list is worth bragging about.

A new poll for 2025 ranks six cities in New York State among the dirtiest in the U.S., and four of them are in Upstate New York.

Case in point: LawnStarter.com's latest ranking of the "Dirtiest Cities in America" for 2025.

Photo: Canva

303 Cities Nationwide Were Ranked

The study evaluated 303 of the largest U.S. cities across four categories: pollution, living conditions, infrastructure, and consumer satisfaction, which determined their overall "cleanliness score."

Unfortunately for New York, six of its cities made the list, with Yonkers ranking worst at #25 nationally, and the "dirtiest" according to the data.

Here's Where the Others Landed

The results might sting, especially for proud Upstaters—but numbers don’t lie, and please don't come after me, I'm just the messenger.

6 of the New York Cities Ranked Dirtiest in America

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany

65 Dirty Banned License Plates In New York State

While you can customize your license plate in New York State, you can not put anything you want on it. Here are 65 dirty plates that have been banned.

Gallery Credit: Megan Carter/Canva