The Cleanest US Cities for Public Bathrooms in 2026
6 min read · May 12, 2026
Public restroom quality varies wildly across the US. Based on community ratings and city investment in public facilities, here are the cities doing it right in 2026 — and the ones that need work.
The leaders
Portland, OR, has long been the gold standard with its Portland Loo program — stainless-steel, 24/7, designed to stay clean. Seattle and San Francisco have followed with similar programs. Boston's network of public restrooms tied to Age Strong is well-maintained and well-mapped.
Mid-pack
New York City has volume but inconsistent cleanliness. Chicago and Washington DC have improved with park-based facilities but lack downtown coverage. LA and Miami remain hit-or-miss outside of tourist areas.
Falling behind
Many Sun Belt cities still rely almost entirely on private businesses for public restroom access. If you're traveling, plan around hotels, libraries, and large retailers.
The takeaway: cities that fund public restrooms see less public urination, more tourism, and better outcomes for unhoused residents. It's an investment that pays back.