Study Ranks Wilmington, NC, as America’s 2nd Cleanest City

Wilmington, North Carolina is known for its idyllic beauty. Nicknamed The Port City, its picturesque riverwalk, nearby beaches, and numerous parks make it the perfect place for any outdoor enthusiast. In fact, in a ranking by lawn care platform Lawnstarter, Wilmington was found to be the 2nd cleanest city in the whole country. Discover what makes Wilmington so clean, and how Porters Neck Village makes the most of its vibrant, natural surroundings.

Why Wilmington Ranks 2nd

In 2025, Lawnstarter created a ranking of the dirtiest cities in America. For this study, they gathered data from sources such as the CDC, EPA, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the 500 largest cities in the country. Factors included pollution, inadequate living conditions, a lack of waste infrastructure, and resident dissatisfaction. They eliminated 197 cities due to a lack of sufficient data, and ranked the final 303 cities. The lower a city ranked on their scale, the cleaner it was determined to be. Wilmington came in at 302nd: the 2nd cleanest city in the whole country. Notably, Wilmington also has the third-lowest pollution, the 5th highest level of resident satisfaction, and the 6th best living conditions.

A History of Cleanliness

This study is not the first time Wilmington has received credit for its cleanliness and living conditions. In a 2024 study by travel platform OneAir, Wilmington was also listed as one of the cleanest cities in the nation thanks to its ultra-low ozone levels and particle pollution. And in 2020, the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report named it one of the top four cleanest cities. Wilmington’s natural beauty goes far beyond its visual appeal, and residents can feel safe knowing the air they breathe is some of the cleanest in the country.

Wilmington has not received all this recognition by luck. The city government is committed to sustainability, with its Sustainability Program pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 58% by 2050. The city also strives to implement projects that efficiently manage energy, water, and waste. Additionally, Wilmington has teamed up with the EPA to fund the Clean Ports Program, promoting zero-emission infrastructure for the nation’s ports.

Wilmington is a sanctuary of natural beauty appreciated by citizens and visitors alike, and these efforts aim to preserve this little slice of paradise for generations to come.

The Best Spots To Appreciate Wilmington’s Natural Beauty

In addition to Wilmington’s reputation as a clean city, it’s also celebrated as an idyllic vacation destination, ranked 7th in Southern Living’s “South’s Best Cities” 2026 list. Wilmington’s iconic riverwalk, well-kept historic downtown, pristine beaches, and fresh air are all to thank for this recognition.

Interested in experiencing Wilmington’s cleanliness and natural appeal up close? Must-see destinations include the expansive Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens, complete with paved paths for walking and biking, picnic shelters and grills, pickleball courts, and a fishing dock. You can also appreciate the history and horticulture of the Arlie Gardens, a 67-acre botanic garden cared for through local conservation efforts. And don’t forget to visit one, or all, of Wilmington’s nearby island beaches — Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach — to appreciate their distinct atmosphere, recreation, and beauty. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, a new adventure awaits each day in Wilmington.

The Natural Choice at Porters Neck Village

At Porter’s Neck Village in Wilmington, NC, the natural world is central to our community’s active lifestyle. Situated on a gorgeous 58-acre campus in the scenic tidewater region between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Porters Neck Village offers all the enriching benefits of coastal living in the beautiful city of Wilmington. Our community amenities invite you to explore the great outdoors. Try out your green thumb in our sprawling village gardens, spend an afternoon golfing with friends, or take a stroll along our 3-mile walking trail. And of course, enjoy convenient access to all the splendor Wilmington has to offer.