Best and Worst U.S. States for Public Restrooms, Ranked

Access to clean and convenient public restrooms is essential for travelers, commuters, and daily residents alike. A recent study by TENA, a prominent incontinence care brand, evaluated all 50 U.S. states and major cities based on key metrics: discoverability on popular map applications, density relative to population, cleanliness ratings from user reviews, and wheelchair accessibility. This analysis highlights disparities across the nation, offering valuable insights for anyone planning trips or assessing local infrastructure.

Understanding the Methodology Behind the Rankings

The study employed a multifaceted approach to ensure a balanced evaluation. Researchers aggregated data from leading map apps to count discoverable public restrooms per state and city. Density was calculated as facilities per 100,000 residents, providing a fair comparison across varying population sizes. Cleanliness scores derived from user review averages, with emphasis on 4-star or higher ratings. Accessibility focused on both the number of wheelchair-friendly listings and their density. Each category contributed to an overall score out of 50, creating a holistic picture of restroom quality.

This rigorous methodology accounts for real-world usability, prioritizing not just quantity but also quality and inclusivity. For instance, states with sparse populations but high per-capita facilities scored well, reflecting effective resource distribution.

Leading States in Overall Public Restroom Performance

Wyoming emerged as the undisputed leader with a stellar overall score of 44 out of 50. It excelled in density (10/10) and discoverability (9/10), boasting an average of 118 public bathrooms visible on map apps statewide. Additionally, 84% of reviews rated 4 stars or higher, commending maintenance and hygiene. With 37 facilities along major highways, Wyoming supports road trippers effectively.

Montana secured second place with 42 points, matching Wyoming’s high marks in density (9/10) and discoverability (9/10). Its network of restrooms is reliable, with strong cleanliness (8/10) and accessibility scores.

Hawaii rounded out the top three at 40 points, shining in discoverability (10/10) and wheelchair-accessible density (9/10). Despite moderate cleanliness scores, its 120 listed bathrooms make facilities easy to locate.

Full Top 10 States Table

These rankings underscore how less populous western states often outperform denser regions due to strategic facility placement.

States Struggling with Restroom Infrastructure

At the opposite end, Kentucky ranked dead last with minimal discoverable restrooms—only 20 statewide, or 0.04 per 100,000 residents. Reviews averaged below 3 stars, citing overcrowding and poor maintenance. Highway facilities are scarce, complicating long-distance travel.

New Hampshire, Georgia, Ohio, and West Virginia followed closely, hampered by low density and subpar cleanliness. These states average fewer than 30 map-listed bathrooms, creating challenges for vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with medical needs.

Bottom 5 States Comparison

• Kentucky: 0.04 restrooms/100k residents; 50%+ reviews <3 stars.
• New Hampshire: Limited highway access; poor accessibility density.
• Georgia: Overcrowding in urban areas; low discoverability.
• Ohio: Inconsistent maintenance; few wheelchair options.
• West Virginia: Sparse rural coverage; below-average ratings.

Such deficiencies highlight the need for infrastructure investments, particularly in high-traffic corridors.

Standout Cities for Bathroom Convenience

Cities were assessed similarly, with Pierre, South Dakota, topping the list at 41/50. Despite its small size, every reviewed restroom scored 4+ stars, and over one-third are wheelchair accessible. Density is exceptional at 10/10, minimizing wait times.

San Francisco, CA (high accessibility), Orlando, FL, Seattle, WA, and Hilo, HI followed. Major metros like Los Angeles and New York City led in wheelchair-accessible discoverability, with 119 and 113 facilities respectively.

Conversely, cities like Stamford, CT, Bridgeport, CT, and Evansville, IN reported zero listed restrooms, dubbing them “sanitary deserts.”

Top Cities Leaderboard

Category-Specific Excellence Across the U.S.

Best for Cleanliness

North Dakota leads with 94% of reviews at 4+ stars, followed by New Mexico and Alaska. These states prioritize upkeep, even in remote areas.

Top for Discoverability

Hawaii, Indiana, and New York each list 120 bathrooms on apps, earning perfect 10s. Urban density aids visibility here.

Wheelchair Accessibility Leaders

New York, Florida, and Texas boast 120 accessible listings each. Hawaii and Montana shine in per-capita accessible density at ~7.7 per 100k.

Los Angeles (119/120 accessible), NYC, and San Francisco set urban benchmarks.

Why Public Restroom Access Matters

Beyond convenience, reliable facilities impact health, especially for those with incontinence, digestive issues, or mobility challenges. The TENA study reveals inequities, with rural western states outperforming eastern urban ones in per-capita terms. Travelers benefit from highway-adjacent options, reducing stress on long journeys.

Policymakers could use these findings to advocate for more listings on apps, increased funding for maintenance, and ADA-compliant builds. Private businesses, like retailers and gas stations, also play a role via apps like Refuge Restrooms.

Travel Tips for Better Bathroom Experiences

• Download map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps; filter for “restrooms” and check accessibility icons.
• Plan routes using highway data—Wyoming’s 37 facilities are a model.
• Read recent reviews for cleanliness updates.
• In low-ranking states, target parks, libraries, or malls.
• For accessibility needs, verify listings specify ramps and wide doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What state has the most public restrooms per person?

Wyoming and Montana lead in density, with high facilities per 100,000 residents.

Are city restrooms better than state averages?

Small cities like Pierre outperform due to perfect scores; big cities excel in accessibility.

How was cleanliness measured?

Via user reviews on map apps, focusing on 4+ star percentages.

Why do some cities have zero listed restrooms?

Lack of digital mapping or poor infrastructure creates “sanitary deserts.”

Can this data help with road trips?

Yes, prioritize top states like Wyoming for highways with ample stops.

This analysis empowers better travel planning and underscores the need for nationwide improvements in public restroom infrastructure. Western states set a high bar, but opportunities exist everywhere to enhance accessibility and hygiene.