10 states with the cleanest air and water

Lately, it feels like clean air and worry-free tap water aren’t givens anymore, which makes knowing where they still exist matter more than ever.

Breathing clean air feels like a luxury these days as smog and industrial output cloud our skies and lungs. We often take a deep breath for granted until we visit a place where the oxygen hits different, and the views are sharp. Finding a spot where you can drink from the tap without worry is just as critical for your health. As we look toward 2026, the desire for a pollution-free home base is growing stronger among American families.

You might be wondering where to plant your roots if environmental purity is your top priority for the coming year. We looked at the latest data to find regions that prioritize the natural environment and enforce strict pollution controls. Here are the places where you can expect the freshest breezes and the purest glasses of water.

Hawaii

This tropical paradise is more than just a vacation spot because the trade winds constantly sweep away stagnant pollutants from the islands. You will find that the isolation of the state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean acts as a natural buffer against mainland smog. According to U.S. News & World Report, the state ranks number one for the best natural environment in the entire country.

The water quality here is equally impressive, as volcanic rock acts as a giant natural filter for the abundant rainfall that feeds the aquifers. Residents enjoy some of the freshest hydration on earth without the heavy chemical aftertaste found in many mainland cities. The state has consistently recorded some of the lowest levels of particulate matter pollution in the nation year after year.

Vermont

The Green Mountain State takes its reputation seriously and fiercely protects its forests and waterways from industrial encroachment. Local legislation prioritizes environmental health over massive development projects, which keeps the skyline clear and the streams running transparent. WalletHub named Vermont the number one greenest state in their 2025 rankings due to its exceptional environmental quality.

You can hike for miles here without encountering the haze that hovers over more densely populated regions of the Northeast. The commitment to renewable energy sources has drastically reduced the carbon footprint of the average household in this region. It is a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively, for anyone tired of city fumes.

Maine

Maine is famous for its rocky coastline and deep woods that act as the lungs of the entire New England region. The population density is low enough that vehicle emissions rarely build up to dangerous levels even in the largest towns. The American Lung Association reported that Bangor hardly had unhealthy ozone days in its recent State of the Air report.

Water purity is a point of pride here, as many local municipalities source their supply from protected lakes that forbid swimming or boating. You can taste the difference in a glass of tap water that comes straight from these protected glacial reservoirs. Strict conservation laws keep these vital water sources free from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

New Hampshire

Granite State residents enjoy the benefits of living in a region covered largely by the White Mountain National Forest. The air quality remains high because the state lacks the heavy manufacturing belts that plague other parts of the country. Data from the American Lung Associationshows that New Hampshire consistently stays in the top tier for low long-term particle pollution.

The water here is crisp and cold, often sourced from mountain springs and aquifers that are shielded from heavy pollution. Local communities are very active in monitoring their watersheds to catch any issues before they become problems. You will find that the state consistently ranks in the top five for overall environmental quality across multiple studies.

Wyoming

If you want to escape crowds and smog, you should head to Wyoming, where the skies are massive, and the air is incredibly thin and clean. The state has the smallest population in the country, which means there are fewer cars and factories to dirty the atmosphere. Cheyenne and Casper were ranked among the cleanest cities for year-round particle pollution by the American Lung Association.

The headwaters of several major American rivers begin here in the snowcapped peaks of the Rockies, ensuring the water is pristine at the source. Residents drink from supplies that have not yet flowed through industrial zones or heavy agricultural lands. This location offers a rare chance to access water that is as close to its natural state as possible.

Washington

The Evergreen State benefits from frequent rains that wash particulates out of the air and keep the landscape lush and dust-free. While Seattle has traffic, the vast majority of the state is comprised of national parks and untamed wilderness areas. An IOP Science study found that Washington is one of only a few states with PM2.5 levels consistently below 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Glacial melt from the Cascades and Olympics feeds the water systems here, providing a cool and clean beverage for millions of residents. The local government has invested heavily in protecting the Puget Sound and the rivers that feed into it. Environmental agencies here are very aggressive about maintaining water standards for both salmon runs and human consumption.

Minnesota

Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this state puts a massive emphasis on protecting its most famous natural resource from contamination. The northern part of the state near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers some of the most untouched air in the Midwest.

The sheer volume of fresh surface water helps regulate the climate and provides an abundant supply for drinking and recreation. Locals are fiercely protective of their lakes and willing to pass strict laws to keep them clear. You can swim and fish in thousands of bodies of water here without worrying about toxic blooms or chemical dumping.

South Dakota

Wide open spaces and constant winds help keep the air in South Dakota moving and prevent pollutants from settling in one spot. The low population density implies that human impact on the atmosphere is minimal compared to coastal states. America’s Health Rankings indicate that the state has one of the lowest asthma rates in the country due to its clean air.

The Missouri River cuts through the state and serves as a vital and well-managed lifeline for water supply. Agriculture is big here, but recent efforts have improved water management to reduce runoff effects significantly. Residents in the western part of the state enjoy particularly clean water drawn from aquifers near the Black Hills.

Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island packs a big punch when it comes to coastal air quality and ocean breezes. The constant airflow from the Atlantic Ocean clears out smog effectively and keeps the coastal towns feeling fresh. America’s Health Rankings data highlighted Rhode Island as having some of the lowest average air pollution levels in the continental United States.

The state has spent decades cleaning up Narragansett Bay, and the results have been nothing short of a massive environmental success story. Modern water treatment facilities ensure that the tap water meets strict safety standards across the board. It is proof that you do not need to be a massive wilderness state to prioritize the health of your citizens.

Alaska

Alaska is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking distance from the industrial output of the lower forty-eight states. The air here is often cited as the cleanest in the United States, especially as you move away from the few urban centers. According to recent air quality data, Anchorage recorded an incredibly low average PM2.5 concentration.

The water comes from ancient glaciers and snowmelt that have never touched a factory or a farm before reaching the treatment plant. It is widely considered some of the best-tasting and safest tap water you can find anywhere on the globe. Living here requires a tough spirit, but the reward is an environment that is almost entirely free of man-made toxins.

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