Report Shows U.S. States, Counties Experiencing Highest Rodent Issues

With winter in full swing, rodent infestations have become an unwelcome reality for millions of Americans. As temperatures drop, mice and rats seek warmth and food indoors, turning homes into their seasonal havens. According to the American Housing Survey, 11.6 percent of households nationwide report rodent problems annually, impacting an estimated 16.2 million homes and 38.5 million people—comparable to the entire population of California.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats and mice can spread diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonella through their droppings, urine and nests. They also worsen asthma and allergies, particularly in children. Beyond health hazards, rodents cause structural damage by gnawing through walls, wiring, and insulation—sometimes even sparking electrical fires.

Using the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, Cinch reported the U.S. locations with the most severe rodent problems:

While home age and urbanization play a key role in rodent infestations, climate is another factor influencing regional differences. States located in colder regions, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, report the highest percentages of homes affected by rodents. Vermont leads with 24.1 percent of households experiencing rodent issues, followed by South Dakota (23.2 percent) and North Dakota (22.9 percent). Other states with high rates include Iowa (22.2 percent) and Maine (21.2 percent).

These areas endure long, harsh winters that drive rodents indoors in search of warmth and shelter. Additionally, older housing stock and rural living conditions in these regions provide ample access points and nesting opportunities for rodents.

In contrast, warmer states like Florida and Arizona report significantly lower rodent infestation rates, with only 4.4% of households affected. Nevada (4.8 percent) and Hawaii (5.7 percent) also rank among the states with the fewest rodent problems. Mild winters in these areas reduce the need for rodents to invade homes, while newer housing stock and higher urbanization levels limit entry points and make it harder for rodents to establish themselves indoors.

The rapid growth and modern development in states like Florida and Arizona have resulted in better-sealed homes, further reducing the likelihood of infestations. It’s important to note, though, that cockroach infestations are more common in these warmer climates, reflecting a different challenge for pest control.

Similar trends hold at the county level with those in the Midwest and Northeast reporting the highest rates of rodent sightings.

Philadelphia County, Penn., leads with 29.6 percent of households reporting rodent problems, followed by Summit County, Ohio (21.8 percent), and the District of Columbia (20.5 percent). Counties in Massachusetts also rank highly, with Essex County (20.1 percent), Suffolk County (19.5 percent), and Worcester County (17.4 percent) all ranking among the top 10.

Palm Beach County, Fla., has the smallest percentage of homes affected among large counties at just 2.1 percent, followed by Lee County, FL (2.6 percent), and Maricopa County, AZ (3.1 percent). Counties in Florida dominate the bottom of the list, reflecting the state’s mild winters and newer housing stock that limit rodent activity indoors. Counties in Texas, Nevada, and California also appear in the bottom tier, where modern construction and urbanization further reduce rodent presence.

Source: Cinch