Two North Dakota Cities Named Among “The Dirtiest” In America

This survey is really a pure headscratcher for me, as I have lived in North Dakota for most of my life.

I have also traveled a fair amount around this country, including visiting some of the biggest cities in America.  I even lived outside of Los Angeles for a couple of long years. It was the only time I spent living outside of North Dakota.

When it comes to filthy cities in North Dakota, I just don't see it. Spend some time walking around Lake Street in Minneapolis, certain downtown areas in Omaha, or the southside of Chicago. Then you will truly see what it's like to live in a dirty city.

Burnt-out trash cans, old tires, and other garbage are littered everywhere. It's not a pretty sight. We just don't have a lot of that in our North Dakota cities.

Not according to the website LawnStarter, not one, but TWO North Dakota cities made their Dirtiest Cities in America for 2024.

What exactly is their head-scratching methodology that could have two cities from the Peace Garden State make their Top 300 list?

They based their top 300 list on 4 categories such as air pollution, water quality, waste management, and resident dissatisfaction levels in each city, among 21 total metrics.

Again, not sure how any city in North Dakota makes this list. They only surveyed larger metropolitan cities.

What North Dakota cities graced this not-so-dubious list of "The Dirtiest Cities In America?"

Bismarck came in at #251 (what a joke) ahead of places like Minneapolis #258 and St. Paul, Minnesota #278.

Fargo came in at #284.

Two South Dakota cities also made the list.

Rapid City came in at #164 (the highest city in our region).

Sioux Falls came in at #286.

No Montana cities made the list.

Sure, Bismarck has a couple of spots, but to be ahead of Minneapolis, again what a joke. I'll take the Capital City any day.