BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham has been ranked the eighth dirtiest major city in the United States, according to a new study highlighted by Newsweek, sparking renewed conversation about the city’s environmental challenges and opportunities for improvement.
The ranking, compiled by Oxi Fresh and reported by Newsweek, analyzed 35 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas using seven cleanliness indicators: population density, rodent and cockroach presence, vandalism, litter, air quality, and tap water quality. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other government sources were used to assign each city a cleanliness grade from A+ to D, with Birmingham landing in the top ten for overall lack of cleanliness.
Experts cited in the study point to factors like aging infrastructure, industrial activity, and high population density as common contributors to lower rankings. Birmingham’s ongoing struggles with air quality have also been documented by the American Lung Association, which recently gave the metro area a failing grade for ozone and particle pollution, noting increased unhealthy air days and associated health risks for residents.
Despite these challenges, local efforts are underway to address environmental concerns. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, launched in 2021, has reduced nitrogen dioxide levels in the city center by nearly 40% compared to pre-pandemic years, though some areas still exceed legal pollution limits. The City Council has also approved initiatives to reduce parking minimums and promote walkability, aiming to lower car dependency and improve air quality.
Advocates say further progress will require continued investment in green infrastructure, expansion of public transit, and broader adoption of sustainable practices by residents and businesses. As Birmingham faces national scrutiny, local leaders and community groups are calling for renewed commitment to environmental health and quality of life for all residents.