Dallas is the worst major city in Texas for allergies, but conditions are improving.
Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks the top 100 U.S. cities with the most challenging allergy conditions, using data on pollen counts, medicine usage and availability of allergy specialists.
This year, Dallas was the only Texas city with “average” conditions for allergy sufferers. Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, McAllen and Houston were all “better than average,” either because of better access to treatment or lower pollen counts than the rest of the country.
In 2023, Dallas ranked second in the country for worst allergy conditions, but has slowly been falling in the rankings. By 2025, Dallas was 36th, and in the 2026 report, the city ranked 64th. Additionally, no Texas cities made the top of the list nationally, with most in the bottom 20%. Many Texas cities experienced low weed pollen counts last fall after seeds were washed away by heavy rains and summer flooding.
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The most prevalent types of pollen vary, with tree pollen most common from February to April, grass pollen prevalent from April to early June and weed pollen from August until the first hard frost.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology collects pollen data from sites across the country, often the office of an allergist or a medical clinic. Although the organization has not had an active collection site in North Texas since 2023, data is available from the Waco location. Tree pollens were high as of March 4, with oak, juniper and cedar as the most common. Grass pollen was moderate, and weeds were not counted.
While everyone reacts differently, people who struggle with seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are often affected by all types of pollen. About a quarter of U.S. adults have seasonal allergies, according to the CDC, with the most common symptoms being itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and a scratchy throat.
The allergy foundation also said seasonal allergies are worsening from climate change, particularly in the western United States. Earlier springs and later arrivals of first frosts extend the pollen production season. Droughts keep pollen in the air longer, most commonly in desert states like Utah.
Tips to limit the impact of spring allergies include:
Avoid contact with pollen by keeping windows closed and wearing a mask when outside.Keep indoor spaces as clean as possible by vacuuming regularly and using a high-efficiency air filter.Change clothes after spending time outside, and take off shoes at the door to avoid tracking in pollen.Make use of over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays and eye drops.Consider seeing a doctor for allergy shots, which can help desensitize your body to specific allergens.