U.S. Cities Where You're Most Likely to Catch a Cold

When you think of places where you're most likely to catch a cold, crowded areas or college dorms might come to mind. But have you ever considered that your city itself could be raising your risk?

We analyzed the data using everyday culprits like chilly temperatures, sneeze-inducing dry air, and the population of kids (who, let's face it, aren't always the best at covering their coughs). But hold off on hoarding tissues or calling the CDC—this ranking draws from a range of data sources and factors, all crunched in the spirit of fun. While no medical professionals were consulted in the making of this list, common sense says you can help avoid sickness by washing your hands and following other best practices.

Our analysis ranked 100 cities across the country based on 15 different factors that could directly or indirectly influence susceptibility to getting sick. Read on to discover which cities are more — or less — likely to be sniffling this season.

What Could Make a City More Prone to Colds?

To pinpoint the cities where colds might spread more easily, we looked at a range of factors that could increase susceptibility. High population density could lead to more frequent virus transmission in crowded spaces, and a larger number of young children may spread colds more quickly. Low annual precipitation and humidity levels might create dry air conditions that help viruses spread and dry out mucous membranes, potentially making infections easier. Similarly, colder temperatures could be linked to a higher incidence of colds.

Factors like a higher percentage of adults reporting poor or fair health and limited access to primary care might also play a role. Physical inactivity and frequent physical or mental distress could weaken the immune system, making infections more likely, while poor air quality might impact respiratory health. Limited access to nutritious foods could affect immune strength, and lower insurance rates may indicate reduced healthcare access. Fewer sunny days could impact vitamin D levels, a key factor in immune function.

By examining these key factors across each city, we identified the U.S. cities where residents might be more vulnerable to catching a cold. Read on to find out what we uncovered.

Which Cities Have the Highest Risk of Catching a Cold?

Top 5 Cities Where You're Most Likely to Catch a Cold

Based on our analysis, here are the five cities where you're most likely to catch a cold, along with their scores and the key factors contributing to their rankings:

Bakersfield, CA (71.7): Bakersfield tops the list due to its low flu vaccination rate, dry climate, and poor recorded air quality, which can weaken the respiratory system and increase cold susceptibility. The city also has a high number of adults reporting poor or fair health and frequent physical distress, both of which can be indicators of weakened immune systems and higher vulnerability to infections.
McAllen, TX (70.9): McAllen ranks second with a significant percentage of its population under 14, an age group more susceptible to colds and likely to spread them more easily. A high percentage of uninsured residents means limited access to healthcare, which can compromise immune health. Additionally, McAllen ranked for higher rates of poor or fair health, frequent physical distress, and physical inactivity.
El Paso, TX (69.7): El Paso ranks third due to its low flu vaccination rate, a high percentage of uninsured residents, and a large number of adults reporting poor or fair health — factors that collectively lower overall immunity and limit access to essential medical care.
Philadelphia, PA (69.2): Philadelphia ranked high due to a combination of factors, including low humidity levels, high population density, a significant percentage of adults reporting frequent physical and mental distress, and more, all of which contributed to its fourth-place ranking.
Las Vegas, NV (64.8): Las Vegas rounds out the top five with a low flu vaccination rate and low average annual precipitation. Dry air facilitates the airborne transmission of viruses, increasing the risk of infection.

Top 5 Cities Where You're Least Likely to Catch a Cold

Conversely, here are the five cities where you're least likely to catch a cold, along with their scores and key factors that contribute to their lower rankings:

Wilmington, NC (28.2): Wilmington takes the top spot for the lowest likelihood of catching a cold. Low population density reduces close contact among people, while higher average annual precipitation helps maintain humidity levels that keep nasal passages moist. Wilmington also ranks high for good air quality and a smaller percentage of the population is under 14.
Madison, WI (33.7): Madison ranks second due to its high flu vaccination rate, which reduces the incidence of colds and flu. A low percentage of uninsured residents ensures better access to healthcare, while very low rates of adults reporting poor or fair health and a high ratio of primary care physicians to the population contribute to overall community health.
Honolulu, HI (36.5): Honolulu comes in third, benefiting from a warm climate that discourages the spread of cold viruses, which tend to thrive in cooler conditions. Good air quality, low rates of uninsured residents, and infrequent physical distress contribute to a healthier environment less conducive to colds.
Raleigh, NC (37.0): Raleigh ranks fourth with low percentages of adults reporting poor or fair health, physical inactivity, or frequent physical or mental distress, all of which could strengthen the community's overall resilience to illness.
San Jose, CA (37.1): San Jose is fifth with a low percentage of uninsured residents and good access to healthy foods, both of which can support a strong immune system. A high ratio of primary care physicians to the population ensures better access to healthcare, and high humidity can reduce virus transmission by keeping airways moist.

Full Ranking

We invite you to explore our interactive table below to see the full ranking of 100 U.S. cities and their likelihood of catching a cold.

We’re particularly interested in how our own cities rank — Indianapolis, IN, and Nashville, TN, home to Marian University’s campuses at which we administer our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program:

Indianapolis, IN (Rank 18; score: 56.1): While Indianapolis enjoys the benefit of a low population density that can reduce the spread of colds, its air quality pushes it higher up in the rankings.
Nashville, TN (Rank 30; score: 52.1): Nashville’s very low humidity can contribute to cold susceptibility by drying out mucous membranes, but its lower population density helps offset this risk.

Check out the full data below to see how your city measures up this cold season!

Closing Thoughts

At Marian University, we know that health and well-being are essential for our students, faculty, and community. Whether you’re studying in Indianapolis, Nashville, or beyond, knowing which cities are more prone to colds can help you take proactive steps to stay healthy this season.

Remember, simple practices like getting vaccinated, maintaining good nutrition, and staying active can make a big difference in protecting yourself from seasonal illnesses. At Marian, we are committed to supporting your health journey, so you can focus on what matters most — your education and growth.

If you want to learn more about how we promote wellness on our campuses or explore our wide range of programs, we invite you to visit our website or get in touch with us today.

Methodology

In our effort to identify the cities where you're most likely to catch a cold this season, we conducted a thorough analysis of the top 100 cities based on MSA rankings. We examined 15 different factors that we believe could contribute to the likelihood of getting sick.

Each factor was weighted according to its potential impact on cold susceptibility. We assessed these criteria on a scale from 0 to 5, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 100 for each city. A score of 100 signifies the highest likelihood of catching a cold. A detailed breakdown of all ranking factors is provided below.

Air Quality