Driest Cities in United States

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Cities For...

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 5 topics across U.S. Census, FBI, NOAA and CDC data.

Best Cities for Retirees
Low crime, warm climate, affordable cost of living and strong healthcare access.
Best Cities for Remote Workers
Strong broadband, affordable rent, low traffic and existing remote-work culture.
Best Cities for Families
Strong schools, low crime, affordable homes and family-friendly commutes.
Best Cities for Young Professionals
High incomes, educated peers, transit access and an under-35 demographic.
Most Affordable Cities
The lowest cost of living across home prices, rent, services and rent burden.
Population & Density
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Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
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Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic Most Disasters
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States

Driest Cities - United States

1 Heber CA 2.4"
2 Holtville CA 2.4"
3 Imperial CA 2.4"
4 Brawley CA 2.4"
5 El Centro CA 2.4"
6 Calexico CA 2.5"
7 Calipatria CA 2.6"
8 Indio CA 2.9"
9 Desert Palms CA 2.9"
10 Bermuda Dunes CA 2.9"
11 Coachella CA 3.0"
12 La Quinta CA 3.0"
13 Mecca CA 3.1"
14 Somerton AZ 3.3"
15 San Luis AZ 3.3"
16 Yuma AZ 3.3"
17 Blythe CA 3.6"
18 Fortuna Foothills AZ 3.6"
19 Twentynine Palms CA 3.9"
20 Summerlin South NV 4.0"
21 Sunrise Manor NV 4.0"
22 North Las Vegas NV 4.0"
23 Salton City CA 4.0"
24 Las Vegas NV 4.0"
25 Henderson NV 4.2"
26 Spring Valley NV 4.2"
27 Winchester NV 4.2"
28 Lake Havasu City AZ 4.2"
29 Paradise NV 4.2"
30 Whitney NV 4.2"
31 Enterprise NV 4.2"
32 Joshua Tree CA 4.4"
33 Garnet CA 4.6"
34 Palm Desert CA 4.6"
35 Rancho Mirage CA 4.6"
36 Thousand Palms CA 4.6"
37 Desert Hot Springs CA 4.6"
38 Palm Springs CA 4.6"
39 Cathedral City CA 4.6"
40 Ridgecrest CA 4.7"
41 Silver Springs NV 4.8"
42 Fernley NV 4.8"
43 Boulder City NV 4.8"
44 Fallon NV 4.9"
45 Barstow CA 5.0"
46 Pahrump NV 5.0"
47 Fort Irwin CA 5.2"
48 Laughlin NV 5.4"
49 Bullhead City AZ 5.4"
50 Fort Mohave AZ 5.4"
51 Moapa Valley NV 5.6"
52 Spring Valley Lake CA 5.6"
53 Apple Valley CA 5.6"
54 Silver Lakes CA 5.6"
55 Adelanto CA 5.6"
56 Victorville CA 5.6"
57 California City CA 5.8"
58 Mesquite NV 5.9"
59 Palmdale CA 5.9"
60 Sun Village CA 5.9"
61 Taft CA 6.0"
62 Page AZ 6.1"
63 Tuba City AZ 6.3"
64 Yucca Valley CA 6.3"
65 East Bakersfield CA 6.4"
66 Benton Park CA 6.4"
67 La Cresta CA 6.4"
68 Oildale CA 6.4"
69 Bakersfield CA 6.4"
70 Potomac Park CA 6.4"
71 Hillcrest CA 6.4"
72 Lamont CA 6.4"
73 East Niles CA 6.4"
74 Rosedale CA 6.4"
75 Winslow AZ 6.5"
76 Powell WY 6.7"
77 Lancaster CA 6.8"
78 Rosamond CA 6.8"
79 Lake Los Angeles CA 6.8"
80 Quartz Hill CA 6.8"
81 Wasco CA 7.1"
82 Maricopa AZ 7.1"
83 Sun Lakes AZ 7.1"
84 Lemoore CA 7.2"
85 Guadalupe AZ 7.2"
86 Lemoore Station CA 7.2"
87 Chandler AZ 7.2"
88 Tempe AZ 7.2"
89 Huron CA 7.2"
90 Shiprock NM 7.3"
91 West Richland WA 7.3"
92 Richland WA 7.3"
93 Reno NV 7.4"
94 Avondale AZ 7.4"
95 Alamosa CO 7.4"
96 Roosevelt UT 7.4"
97 Goodyear AZ 7.4"
98 Mountain Home ID 7.4"
99 Earlimart CA 7.5"
100 Avenal CA 7.5"

The driest cities in United States receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Heber receives just 2.4 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

  • 1. Heber gets just 2.4" of precipitation per year - less than many cities get in a single month.
  • 2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
  • 3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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