U.S. cities going green: 2025’s Most Sustainable Cities

To rank the nation’s greenest cities, we compared the 500 largest U.S. cities using 47 eco-conscious metrics.

From solar panel rebates to green buildings and composting programs, which U.S. cities are leading the nation for Earth-friendly initiatives and sustainable urban development?

To mark the 2025 Net Zero Conference on October 1, LawnStarter ranked 2025’s Most Sustainable Cities.

To rank the nation’s greenest cities, we compared the 500 largest U.S. cities using 47 eco-conscious metrics — such as restrictions on gas-powered lawn equipment, the share of car-free commutes and access to zero-waste grocery stores — sorted into five categories. 

Sustainability stats at a glance

• All 500 cities have financial incentives supporting renewables and energy-efficient upgrades.
• Four California cities — San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco — are home to the highest number of certified zero-energy buildings.
• 135 cities — 27% of those in our ranking — have added electric buses to their fleets.

See where your city scores in our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our methodology.

Sustainable city rankings

Out of the 500 biggest U.S. cities:

    459 cities — 91.8% — have a local Clean City Coalition.
    164 cities — 32.8% — have a plastic bag ban.
    151 cities — 30.2% — have bans or restrictions on gas-powered lawn equipment.
    140 cities — 28% — are members of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
    135 cities — 27% — have added electric buses to their fleets.
    77 cities — 15.4% — have an Urban Heat Island program established.

See how each city fared in our ranking!