For the first time in over a decade, Los Angeles takes the top spot, followed by Chicago and New York

As Orkin’s annual Top 50 Rattiest Cities List enters its second decade, a new city is claiming the top spot for the first time in the list’s history.

Chicago’s decade-long reign at No. 1 is over, with Los Angeles knocking the Windy City off its long-held perch.

In true Hollywood fashion, Los Angeles has taken center stage. Los Angeles has year-round warm weather. It also has a booming culinary scene. Dense neighborhoods offer ample access to food and shelter. The City of Angels checks every box for rodent survival.

A Shift in the Urban Rat Race

Orkin determined this year’s Rattiest Cities by tracking new rodent services in owner-occupied residences from August 20, 2024, to August 21, 2025, offering a snapshot of the cities with the highest levels of reported activity.

While Chicago now sits at No. 2, it continues to battle high levels of rodent activity across its dense urban landscape. 

New York City follows at No. 3, with its vast subway system and abundance of food and shelter sources contributing to ongoing pest challenges.

 San Francisco (No. 4), remains a consistent presence near the top of the list.

This year, California is the most represented state, with four cities in the top 50: Los Angeles (No.1), San Francisco (No. 4), Sacramento (No. 19) and San Diego (No. 24). Notably, two of these, Los Angeles and San Francisco, appear in the top five.

Orkin’s Top 50 Rattiest Cities:

1. Los Angeles, Calif. (+1)
2. Chicago, Ill. (-1)
3. New York, N.Y.
4. San Francisco, Calif.
5. Hartford, Conn. (+8)
6. Washington, D.C. (-1)
7. Detroit, Mich. (+1)
8. Philadelphia, Pa. (-1)
9. Minneapolis, Minn. (+2)
10. Denver, Colo. (-4)
11. Cleveland, Ohio (-1)
12. Baltimore, Md. (-3)
13. Boston, Mass. (-1)
14. Indianapolis, Ind. (+1)
15. Dallas, Texas (+7)
16. Milwaukee, Wis. (+3)
17. Seattle, Wash. (-3)
18. Atlanta, Ga. (-2)
19. Sacramento, Calif. (+1)
20. Pittsburgh, Pa. (+1)
21. Columbus, Ohio (-4)
22. Tampa, Fla. (+13)
23. Houston, Texas (+2)
24. San Diego, Calif. (-6)
25. Grand Rapids, Mich. (+2)
26. Miami, Fla. (+2)
27. Cincinnati, Ohio (+8)
28. St. Louis, Mo.
29. Norfolk, Va. (-5)
30. Greenville, S.C. (+4)
31. Portland, Ore. (+7)
32. Raleigh, N.C. (-4)
33. Orlando, Fla. (+6)
34. Louisville, Ky.
35. Charlotte, N.C. (-9)
36. Kansas City, Mo. (+9)
37. Champaign, Ill. (+6)
38. Phoenix, Ariz. (-6)
39. New Orleans, La. (+1)
40. Nashville, Tenn. (-4)
41. Flint, Mich. (+1)
42. South Bend, Ind.
43. Albuquerque, N.M. (-13)
44. Madison, Wis.
45. Reno, Nev.
46. Eau Claire, Wis.
47. Richmond, Va. (-9)
48. Burlington, Vt. (-2)
49. Albany, N.Y. (-18)
50. Buffalo, N.Y. (-9)

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