Oklahoma City, OK – Seasonal allergies continue to wreak havoc across Oklahoma, with Oklahoma City ranking as the #3 worst city in the nation for allergy sufferers and Tulsa close behind at #4, according to the 2025 Allergy Capitals™ report, released this week by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
The report, which analyzes 100 of the most populated metro areas, ranks cities based on pollen levels, allergy medication use, and access to allergy specialists. This year’s findings reinforce what many Oklahomans already know—there’s no real break from allergies here.
No Break from Allergies in Oklahoma
Doctors at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic explain that Oklahoma’s long pollen seasons, high winds, and fluctuating weather combine to create a perfect storm for allergy sufferers.
“You really don’t get a break here,” said Dr. Richard Hatch, an allergist with the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic. “You might get a little relief from the first frost until mid-December, but that’s about it. Right now, we’ve had very high pollen counts for several weeks.”
The state’s flat terrain and frequent winds stir up pollen and dust, making it impossible to avoid allergens—especially in the spring.
“Unfortunately, we live in a place that’s really flat, and it’s really windy,” said OAAC allergist Dr. Greg Metz. “That wind just stirs up the tree pollen, dust, and other irritants, and we’re breathing it all in. These are significant irritants, and it makes springtime allergy season miserable for so many people.”
Oklahoma City and Tulsa Among Top Allergy Capitals
While Wichita, Kansas, ranked #1 for the third year in a row, Oklahoma City (#3) and Tulsa (#4) are among the hardest-hit cities for allergies.
The Top 10 Worst Allergy Cities for 2025:
- Wichita, KS
- New Orleans, LA
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Tulsa, OK
- Memphis, TN
- Little Rock, AR
- Raleigh, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Greenville, SC
- Greensboro, NC
The full report is available at allergycapitals.com.