Well this stinks, literally. Pennsylvania was named among the top 5 grossest states in the U.S. This study from Zippia determined the grossest states in the country.
They measured each states’ gross-ness based on a few things. The main part of the study was based on actual scientific factors For one, they measured the air quality in each state. Then, they went on to measure the percentage of trash that is in each landfill in the state. For this they found the EPA’s data. Then, they took a look at how illnesses, like the flu, spread statewide. I mean, sneezing, coughing, and spreading illness is pretty dang gross.
They then looked at google metrics for popular searches in each state and the yuckiness of those searches. Data less science-y and more opinion-based. But certain cultural things about different states could be considered, not great, I guess.
The study yielded results for all 50 states and included a nice color-coded map of which states were a bit more…unsavory. The top 5 states are all in their slots for their own icky quirks. It was quite a shock to learn that Pennsylvania is on this list.
Here are the top 5 grossest states in the U.S.
1. Virginia
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Coming in at number one on the list is Virginia. They were named the grossest due to their air quality. That matters a lot when determining how clean a place is. After all, if you’re breathing in bad air, it doesn’t bode well for your health. Maybe they can plant more trees to quell the issue?
2. South Carolina
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Unfortunately, South Carolina also has an air quality issue on their hands. The state also faces issues when it comes to trash stored in landfills. It kinda seems like the east coast is being targeted here…I don’t know…
3. North Carolina
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Huh, another Carolina? North Carolina finds itself on this list thanks to their *checks notes* love of crocs? That and their poor air quality and trash volume pushed them to number 3 on this list. The crocs thing comes from their interesting use of Google search popularity to make this list.
4. Pennsylvania
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Oh man, here we are. Pennsylvania is here due to the amount of trash we have stored in our landfills. 0.0191% of the state is used just to store trash in landfills, apparently. That stinks. Maybe that can be fixed, though? We are a gorgeous state otherwise.
5. Texas
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Texas, the Lone Star State. They are gross for an entirely different reason. Apparently, diseases spread pretty quickly there. Maybe they need to wash their hands some more? According to data, illnesses like the flu catch on expeditiously in Texas.
6. New Jersey
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Just for fun, New Jersey is also on here. At least PA is not alone in grossness. The neighbor state is here too, and not too far below. They’re on here thanks to their trash problem, much like PA. The densely populated state of New Jersey is 0.0421% landfill. That’s literally more than any other state in the country. How did they rank below PA?!
