View environmental risk profiles for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each state page includes average environmental scores and links to all covered cities.

Environmental Risk Factors

We evaluate 10 key environmental risk factors that affect health and quality of life. Learn how each factor is measured, its health effects, and how to protect yourself.

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Air Quality (PM2.5 & Ozone)

Air quality measures the concentration of harmful pollutants in outdoor air that you breathe every day. The two most significant pollutants are fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream — and ground-level ozone, which forms when sunlight reacts with vehicle and industrial emissions. Poor air quality disproportionately affects children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Cities in valleys, those with heavy traffic, and areas near industrial operations tend to have the worst air quality. Wildfire smoke has become a growing seasonal contributor to poor air quality across the western United States.

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Water Quality

Water quality refers to the safety and cleanliness of the drinking water supply delivered to homes and businesses. Contaminants can enter water from aging infrastructure (lead pipes), agricultural runoff (nitrates, pesticides), industrial discharge, and naturally occurring minerals. Despite federal regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, many communities experience water quality violations or detect contaminants at levels of concern. PFAS (forever chemicals), lead from aging service lines, and disinfection byproducts are emerging nationwide issues. Community water quality varies significantly based on source water, treatment methods, and distribution infrastructure age.

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Flood Risk

Flood risk measures the likelihood and potential severity of flooding in a given area. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing billions in damage annually. Risks come from river flooding, coastal storm surge, flash floods from heavy rainfall, and urban flooding from overwhelmed drainage systems. Climate change is increasing flood risk in many areas through more intense rainfall events, sea-level rise, and changing storm patterns. Many homeowners are unaware they live in flood-prone areas, and standard homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage.

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Toxic Waste (Superfund & TRI Sites)

Toxic waste sites include Superfund sites designated under CERCLA for federal cleanup of the most contaminated locations in America, and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities that report annual releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment. Living near these sites is associated with elevated health risks from soil, water, and air contamination. The United States has over 1,300 active Superfund sites on the National Priorities List. Additionally, thousands of TRI facilities legally release millions of pounds of toxic chemicals annually. Communities of color and low-income populations are disproportionately located near these hazardous sites.

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Wildfire Risk

Wildfire risk has grown dramatically across the United States, particularly in the western states, as climate change extends fire seasons, increases drought conditions, and creates more extreme fire weather. The wildland-urban interface, where development meets undeveloped land, puts millions of homes at direct fire risk. Even areas not directly threatened by flames face severe air quality impacts from wildfire smoke that can travel hundreds or thousands of miles. The annual area burned has more than doubled since the 1990s. Wildfire smoke exposure is emerging as one of the most significant seasonal air quality threats in America.

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Earthquake Risk

Earthquake risk affects millions of Americans living near active fault lines across the country. While California and Alaska have the most frequent earthquakes, significant risk also exists in the Pacific Northwest from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central US, and along the Wasatch Front in Utah. Building codes and construction quality significantly affect earthquake vulnerability. Older buildings and unreinforced masonry structures are most at risk. The potential for catastrophic damage from a major earthquake in a densely populated area remains one of America's highest-consequence natural hazard risks.

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Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, killing more Americans annually than hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding combined. Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves across the country. Urban heat islands amplify temperatures in cities, where dark surfaces and lack of tree canopy can make temperatures 10-20°F hotter than surrounding rural areas. Extreme heat disproportionately affects outdoor workers, elderly residents, those without air conditioning, and people experiencing homelessness. As global temperatures continue to rise, heat risk is expanding into regions historically unprepared for extreme temperatures.

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Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution encompasses the release of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, and waste products from manufacturing, energy production, mining, and processing facilities. While regulations under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act have dramatically reduced industrial pollution since the 1970s, many communities still experience elevated pollution levels from active facilities and legacy contamination. Environmental justice research has consistently shown that industrial pollution disproportionately burdens communities of color and low-income populations. Cumulative exposure to multiple industrial sources creates compounding health risks that exceed the impact of any single facility.

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Radon Exposure

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the ground into buildings, particularly through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and sump pump openings. It is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable without testing. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths annually. Every home is potentially at risk, regardless of age or condition, though certain geological formations produce more radon than others. The EPA estimates that nearly 1 in 15 US homes has elevated radon levels above the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

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Lead Exposure

Lead exposure remains one of the most significant environmental health threats in America, despite decades of regulations. The primary sources are lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 and lead water service lines delivering drinking water. Approximately 400,000 miles of lead service lines still deliver water across the country. Lead paint is present in approximately 24 million US homes. There is no safe level of lead exposure, and children are particularly vulnerable as lead affects brain development. The Flint water crisis brought national attention to this ongoing crisis, but many communities face similar or worse lead exposure risks.

How We Calculate Risk Scores

Data Collection

We aggregate environmental data from official government sources including the EPA, FEMA, NOAA, USGS, and state environmental agencies. Our data covers air quality monitoring, water quality testing, flood zone mapping, toxic site locations, and more.

Scoring Methodology

Each environmental factor is scored individually, then combined into an overall risk score from 1 to 100. The overall score weights air quality, water quality, flood risk, and toxic site proximity based on their relative health impact potential. Lower scores indicate better environmental conditions.

Risk Rating Scale

Excellent (1-20): Minimal environmental concerns

Good (21-40): Low environmental risk

Fair (41-55): Moderate environmental concerns

Poor (56-70): Significant environmental issues

Very Poor (71-100): Severe environmental challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Risk Score?

An Environmental Risk Score is a composite rating from 1-100 that evaluates the overall environmental health hazards in a specific area. It combines multiple factors including air quality, water quality, flood risk, proximity to toxic waste sites, and other environmental concerns into a single easy-to-understand number. Lower scores indicate better environmental conditions.

How accurate is this data?

Our data is compiled from official government sources including the EPA, FEMA, and state environmental agencies. While we strive for accuracy, environmental conditions are complex and change over time. Our scores should be used as a general guide rather than a definitive assessment. For site-specific evaluations, consult local environmental professionals.

What does Air Quality Index (AQI) mean?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized EPA scale from 0-500 that measures air pollution levels. Values 0-50 are considered good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 unhealthy for all, and above 200 very unhealthy to hazardous. The AQI tracks pollutants like PM2.5 particulate matter and ground-level ozone.

How often is the data updated?

Environmental data is compiled from the most recent available government reports and databases. Air quality and water quality data reflects annual averages, while Superfund and flood risk data is updated when FEMA and EPA publish new assessments. We aim to refresh our compiled data periodically to reflect the latest available information.

What should I do if my area has a high risk score?

A high risk score does not mean immediate danger, but it indicates you should be more aware of local environmental conditions. Check specific risk factors to understand which ones affect your area. Take practical steps like testing your water, monitoring air quality, purchasing flood insurance if needed, and staying informed about local environmental issues.

Why are some cities not listed?

We currently cover approximately 100 major US cities and metro areas. Environmental data aggregation is complex and requires reliable data from multiple government sources. We prioritize cities by population size and data availability. If your city is not listed, check the state page for overall state environmental information and consult the EPA directly for local data.

Understanding Environmental Risks Where You Live

Environmental quality varies dramatically across the United States, affecting the health and well-being of hundreds of millions of Americans. From the smog-trapped valleys of California's Central Valley to the clean mountain air of Colorado Springs, from the flood-prone Gulf Coast to the wildfire-threatened communities of the Pacific Northwest, every community faces a unique combination of environmental challenges and advantages.

EnviroCheck was created to make complex environmental data accessible and understandable. By compiling information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and state environmental agencies, we provide comprehensive environmental risk profiles for over 93 major US cities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Our environmental risk assessments cover the factors that matter most: air quality including PM2.5 particulate matter and ground-level ozone concentrations; drinking water quality including contaminants and violations; flood risk from rivers, coastal storms, and heavy rainfall; proximity to toxic waste sites including Superfund National Priorities List sites and Toxics Release Inventory facilities; and additional factors like wildfire risk, earthquake vulnerability, extreme heat exposure, and industrial pollution.

Whether you are researching a potential move, evaluating your current community, or simply curious about environmental conditions in different parts of the country, EnviroCheck provides the data you need to make informed decisions about where you live, work, and raise your family.