Where to expect the cleanest hospitals in the U.S., according to patient reviews
A new study by Legacy Healing Center, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility, has revealed which U.S. states are home to the cleanest hospitals, based on the voices of patients themselves. The analysis examined Google reviews of hospitals across all 50 states, focusing on how often the word “clean” appeared in feedback.
Connecticut topped the list as the cleanest, with 3.21% of hospital reviews mentioning cleanliness. Delaware (3.06%) and South Carolina (3.03%) followed closely behind. Other states ranking highly include Illinois, Indiana, and California, showing that patients in these regions are most likely to associate their hospital experiences with a clean environment.
The top 10 states with the cleanest hospitals:
1. Connecticut
2. Delaware
3. South Carolina
4. Illinois
5. Indiana
6. California
7. Arizona
8. Oklahoma
9. Missouri
10. Maryland
Ben Fox, spokesperson for Legacy Healing Center, commented on the findings:
“When people walk into a hospital, they expect an environment that feels safe, sterile, and cared for. A clean space not only reassures patients and families, but also plays a key role in preventing infections and supporting positive outcomes. Studies have shown that hospitals with lower cleanliness scores often experience higher rates of healthcare-associated infections, which can lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and in some cases, higher mortality rates.”
“Reviews are becoming a powerful voice in healthcare. When patients repeatedly highlight cleanliness, it tells us how essential this factor is to the perception of quality care. Hospitals that prioritize hygiene are ultimately building stronger trust with their communities,”
Full ranking of the states with the cleanest hospitals:
| Rank | State | Average % of reviews mentioning ‘clean’ |
| 1 | Connecticut | 3.21 |
| 2 | Delaware | 3.06 |
| 3 | South Carolina | 3.03 |
| 4 | Illinois | 2.88 |
| 5 | Indiana | 2.83 |
| 6 | California | 2.82 |
| 7 | Arizona | 2.76 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 2.76 |
| 9 | Missouri | 2.63 |
| 10 | Maryland | 2.61 |
| 11 | Maine | 2.51 |
| 12 | New Jersey | 2.43 |
| 13 | New York | 2.43 |
| 14 | Ohio | 2.43 |
| 15 | Georgia | 2.42 |
| 16 | Michigan | 2.39 |
| 17 | West Virginia | 2.38 |
| 18 | Florida | 2.38 |
| 19 | Kentucky | 2.38 |
| 20 | Virginia | 2.34 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | 2.27 |
| 22 | Nevada | 2.25 |
| 23 | Mississippi | 2.15 |
| 24 | Arkansas | 2.14 |
| 25 | Wyoming | 2.13 |
| 26 | New Mexico | 2.06 |
| 27 | Utah | 2.04 |
| 28 | Kansas | 2.04 |
| 29 | South Dakota | 2.08 |
| 30 | Iowa | 1.91 |
| 31 | Colorado | 1.87 |
| 32 | Alaska | 1.82 |
| 33 | Hawaii | 1.82 |
| 34 | Louisiana | 1.78 |
| 35 | Tennessee | 1.84 |
| 36 | North Carolina | 1.77 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 1.73 |
| 38 | Oregon | 1.68 |
| 39 | Texas | 1.67 |
| 40 | Alabama | 1.65 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | 1.65 |
| 42 | Massachusetts | 1.50 |
| 43 | Vermont | 1.47 |
| 44 | Minnesota | 1.44 |
| 45 | Wisconsin | 1.38 |
| 46 | Idaho | 1.31 |
| 47 | Montana | 1.29 |
| 48 | Washington | 1.20 |
| 49 | North Dakota | 1.03 |
| 50 | Pennsylvania | 0.57 |
Note: In cases where states appeared to have the same rating, their ranks were determined by more precise averages (e.g., 2.763 vs. 2.768). For clarity, only rounded figures are shown in the published rankings.
Methodology: The study analyzed Google reviews of hospitals in each state, measuring the frequency of the word “clean” to determine patient perceptions of cleanliness. Then, the study calculated a state-level average to rank the states.
Photo by Tom Fisk: