10 Best Big Cities for People With Asthma

Credit: Getty Images

10. Boise, Idaho

 • Population: 587,689
 • 2008 rank: 11

The estimated asthma rate of this city is higher than the national average, but Boise received good marks for its air quality and low poverty rate.

Poverty is an important asthma risk factor. Although the relationship between poverty and asthma is a very complicated one, people living in poverty are believed to be more vulnerable to asthma in part because they tend to be more exposed to allergens, airborne irritants (such as traffic exhaust), and emotional stress.

Next: 9. Portland, Maine