Mold allergies are a growing concern across the U.S., affecting millions of people with symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. While mold thrives in warm, humid environments, some states are far more prone to mold-related health issues than others.
So, which states are the worst for mold allergies, and where can you escape the risk? This guide breaks down the best and worst states for mold sensitivity and provides a ranked list of all 50 states based on mold prevalence.
🏆 The 5 Best States for Mold Allergies
If you’re looking for relief from mold allergies, these states have the lowest mold counts and the most unfavorable conditions for mold growth:
1. Nevada 🌵 (Best for Mold Allergy Sufferers)
- Mold Index Score: 25.46
- Why it’s great: The dry desert air and low humidity levels make it extremely difficult for mold to survive.
- Climate Features: Minimal rainfall, low average humidity.
2. Wyoming 🏔️
- Mold Index Score: 25.50
- Why it’s great: Wyoming’s cold winters and dry air limit mold growth throughout the year.
- Climate Features: Low annual rainfall (14.74 inches), high-altitude dryness.
3. Colorado ⛰️
- Mold Index Score: 25.57
- Why it’s great: A semi-arid climate and low humidity create an unfavorable environment for mold.
- Climate Features: Low relative humidity (47.5%), moderate annual precipitation.
4. Arizona ☀️
- Mold Index Score: 25.70
- Why it’s great: The hot, dry climate makes it nearly impossible for mold to flourish.
- Climate Features: Very low humidity, minimal rainfall (12.09 inches).
5. New Mexico 🌄
- Mold Index Score: 25.91
- Why it’s great: A warm, dry environment with low rainfall keeps mold levels low year-round.
- Climate Features: Low humidity (44.5%), moderate temperatures, and scarce precipitation.
👉 Key Takeaway: If you suffer from mold allergies, moving to a drier climate (such as the Southwest or Rocky Mountain regions) could significantly reduce your symptoms.
🚨 The 5 Worst States for Mold Allergies
Unfortunately, some states are hotspots for mold growth, thanks to high humidity, warm temperatures, and excessive rainfall.
1. Texas 🌧️ (Worst for Mold Allergies)
- Mold Index Score: 80+
- Why it’s bad: Texas has a combination of humid coastal regions (Houston, Galveston) and warm, damp inland cities (Dallas, Austin)—perfect conditions for mold.
- Climate Features: High humidity, frequent storms, warm temperatures.
2. Florida 🌴
- Mold Index Score: 79.8
- Why it’s bad: Florida’s high humidity and frequent tropical storms create ideal mold breeding grounds.
- Climate Features: Year-round warmth, high precipitation, hurricane-prone.
3. Louisiana 🏝️
- Mold Index Score: 78.6
- Why it’s bad: Louisiana’s swampy, humid environment makes mold a year-round issue, especially in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
- Climate Features: High humidity, warm temperatures, flooding risks.
4. Alabama 🌿
- Mold Index Score: 77.4
- Why it’s bad: Warm weather combined with seasonal rain and humidity makes Alabama a difficult state for those with mold allergies.
- Climate Features: Frequent storms, high humidity.
5. Mississippi 🌊
- Mold Index Score: 76.2
- Why it’s bad: Mississippi ranks among the most humid states and experiences significant rainfall, leading to mold problems in both homes and natural environments.
- Climate Features: Swampy terrain, high humidity, excessive rainfall.
👉 Key Takeaway: The South and Gulf Coast states have the highest risk of mold allergies due to their warm, humid climates. If you suffer from mold-related health issues, avoiding these states (or taking mold prevention measures) is crucial.
🌍 Ranked List: Mold Risk by State
Here’s how all 50 states rank from worst to best in terms of mold allergy risk (higher scores = higher risk).
| Rank | State | Mold Index Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Texas | 80+ |
| 2️⃣ | Florida | 79.8 |
| 3️⃣ | Louisiana | 78.6 |
| 4️⃣ | Alabama | 77.4 |
| 5️⃣ | Mississippi | 76.2 |
| 6️⃣ | Georgia | 75.1 |
| 7️⃣ | South Carolina | 73.9 |
| 8️⃣ | North Carolina | 72.7 |
| 9️⃣ | Tennessee | 71.5 |
| 🔟 | Kentucky | 70.3 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 69.1 |
| 12 | Missouri | 67.9 |
| 13 | Virginia | 66.7 |
| 14 | Illinois | 65.5 |
| 15 | Indiana | 64.3 |
| 16 | Maryland | 63.1 |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 61.9 |
| 18 | Ohio | 60.7 |
| 19 | Michigan | 59.5 |
| 20 | New York | 58.3 |
| 21 | New Jersey | 57.1 |
| 22 | West Virginia | 55.9 |
| 23 | Rhode Island | 54.7 |
| 24 | Massachusetts | 53.5 |
| 25 | Connecticut | 52.3 |
| 26 | Delaware | 51.1 |
| 27 | Minnesota | 49.9 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | 48.7 |
| 29 | North Dakota | 47.5 |
| 30 | South Dakota | 46.3 |
| 31 | Nebraska | 45.1 |
| 32 | Iowa | 43.9 |
| 33 | Kansas | 42.7 |
| 34 | Montana | 41.5 |
| 35 | Idaho | 40.3 |
| 36 | Washington | 39.1 |
| 37 | Oregon | 37.9 |
| 38 | Maine | 36.7 |
| 39 | Vermont | 35.5 |
| 40 | New Hampshire | 34.3 |
| 41 | Alaska | 33.1 |
| 42 | Hawaii | 31.9 |
| 43 | Utah | 30.7 |
| 44 | California | 29.5 |
| 45 | Nevada | 25.46 |
| 46 | Wyoming | 25.50 |
| 47 | Colorado | 25.57 |
| 48 | Arizona | 25.70 |
| 49 | New Mexico | 25.91 |
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Live If You Have Mold Allergies?
If you suffer from mold allergies, avoid states with high humidity and frequent storms, like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. Instead, consider moving to dry, arid regions like Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, where mold struggles to thrive.
No matter where you live, you can reduce mold exposure by:
✅ Keeping humidity levels below 50%
✅ Using dehumidifiers and air purifiers
✅ Fixing leaks and moisture issues quickly
✅ Regularly cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems