Study Reveals Worst and Best States with Pothole Problems
A study has revealed the US states with the worst pothole problems – Washington tops the list.
Key findings:
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Washington tops the list as the state with the worst pothole issues, with a Google Trends average of 67.3 out of 100.
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Tennessee follows closely in second place with a Google Trends average of 63.0, showing significant pothole-related concerns.
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Northern states dominate the top rankings, with 6 out of the top 10 states (Washington, Rhode Island, Indiana, Minnesota, Connecticut, and South Dakota) located in colder regions where winter weather exacerbates road deterioration.
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Hawaii ranks third with a Google Trends average of 58.3, suggesting that pothole problems aren’t limited to states with harsh winters.
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Wyoming ranks as the state with the least pothole issues, with a Google Trends average of only 10.3 out of 100.
The research team at Philadelphia-based personal injury law firm KaplunMarx analyzed Google Trends data from the past 5 years (2019 to 2024), examining the search interest for terms like “pothole repair” and “pothole damage” to determine which states have the most pothole problems.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), pothole damages cost US drivers $3 billion annually in vehicle repairs. Their survey also reported that 64% of drivers are concerned about potholes.
Top 10 States with the Worst Pothole Problems:
| Rank | State | Google Trends Average Search Interest |
| 1 | Washington | 67.3 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 63.0 |
| 3 | Hawaii | 58.3 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 57.8 |
| 5 | Indiana | 56.8 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 55.5 |
| 7 | South Carolina | 54.3 |
| 8 | Connecticut | 51.3 |
| 9 | South Dakota | 50.0 |
| 10 | Colorado | 49.5 |
Top 10 States with the Least Pothole Problems:
| Rank | State | Google Trends Average Search Interest |
| 50 | Wyoming | 10.3 |
| 48 | Montana | 13.3 |
| 48 | Nevada | 13.3 |
| 47 | Delaware | 20.5 |
| 45 | Alabama | 27.3 |
| 45 | Texas | 27.3 |
| 44 | North Dakota | 28 |
| 42 | Arkansas | 29 |
| 42 | Idaho | 29 |
| 40 | New Mexico | 29.8 |
| 40 | Utah | 29.8 |
Ted Kaplun, founding partner at KaplunMarx, commented:
“This study highlights a significant issue affecting road safety across the nation. Potholes aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a serious safety concern that can lead to accidents and vehicle damage. The high search volumes in states like Washington and Tennessee indicate that drivers are actively seeking solutions and information about pothole-related problems.
What’s particularly interesting is the presence of Hawaii in the top three. This shows that pothole issues aren’t exclusive to areas with harsh winters. Factors like heavy rainfall, high traffic volumes, and inadequate road maintenance can contribute to pothole formation in any climate. We urge drivers to stay vigilant, especially in high-ranking states, and for local authorities to prioritize road maintenance.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
