Air Quality: Las Vegas Is Near Cities With The Best And Worst
A recent survey reveals that Las Vegas ranks 23rd in the nation when it comes to air quality. But there are nearby cities which reportedly have the best, and worst, air quality in the nation.
Las Vegas Air Quality Not Nearly As Bad As Five Worst Metro Areas
Some days in Las Vegas, you can see for miles if you’re up on one of the freeway overpasses. Of course, there are other days where you can barely make out some of the buildings on the Las Vegas Strip from a distance.
A recent study performed by the data collection experts at SmartSurvey.com reveals that there are cities near Las Vegas with some of the worst air pollution in the nation. In fact, the Inland Empire of Southern California has the worst air quality in the U.S. That metro area is just about three to four hours away from us.
According to this study, the metropolitan region which includes Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario, California only saw 54 good air days during the entire calendar year of 2023. I lived and worked in San Bernardino in the late 80s and early 90s, and I can vouch that there were plenty of smoggy days there.
Houston, Texas has the second worst air quality in the nation based on 2023 data figures from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Albuquerque, New Mexico ranks third, the Greater Chicago, Illinois region comes in fourth, and the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area lands in the fifth spot.
How Las Vegas Air Quality Compares To Other Nearby Metro Areas
Other nearby metro areas which land in the 50 worst air quality regions include Phoenix, Arizona at number 11, Bishop, California right behind Las Vegas at number 24, Los Angeles ranks 28th, Yuma, Arizona lands at number 41, and Salt Lake City, Utah places 43rd.
There is also a nearby city which can claim the best air quality in the U.S.A. We’re talking about the Kingman-Lake Havasu City, Arizona area. That’s only about a two-hour drive from Las Vegas. Road trip!
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Where Las Vegas Ranks: Noisiest Cities In America
#5 BOSTON, MASS.
They clearly have a lot going on in Boston day in and day out. So, when you look at noisy cities, this New England town comes in at #5. Wicked noisy!
#4 NEWARK, N.J.
Don’t let the beautiful night skyline fool ya, this is one noisy city! In a congested area as it is, it’s no wonder it doesn’t rank higher. But be proud Newark… you are #4 on the list.
#3 JERSEY CITY, N.J.
Don’t let this picture fool ya… it looks quiet and quaint, but Jersey City has a lot going on. Again, in that congested area outside of New York, for this reason Jersey City comes in at #3 on the list.
#2 CHICAGO, ILL.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. There’s a reason that this city is referred to as the “Second City” but it can get pretty noisy downtown. Traffic, The L train running overhead, and construction. As beautiful as it looks, Chicago is #2 on the list.
#1 NEW YORK, N.Y.
Are you really surprised? Didn’t think so. New York City is the noisiest city in America. And if you’ve ever been there you would understand. It’s big, it’s loud and it’s proud of it’s #1 ranking. Congrats to the BIG APPLE!
#24 LAS VEGAS, NV.
Well, it could be a lot worse right? And you would think that with all that we have going on here, we would have ranked much, much higher, but NOPE! When it comes down to it, Las Vegas seems to be average after all. At #24, we seem to be right in the middle of this 50 city survey when it comes to the “Noisiest Cities in America!”
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC. Follow us: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
