Winter Wonderlands: America’s Snowiest Counties

Thirty years ago, the Blizzard of ’96 dropped blankets of snow across the Atlantic Coast, shutting down the region for a week and causing up to $3 billion in damage. 

Following the warmest Christmas on record, with possibly more unusual winter weather to come in 2026 due to the effects of La Niña, Lawn Love ranked America’s Snowiest Counties.

For the 213 U.S. counties with data available, we included average monthly historical snowfall rates from November through April from 1991 to 2020 (the most recent data available), single and 3-day historical snowfall records, and access to snow removal services, among 8 total metrics.

Shovel through our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities and where we found our data, see our methodology.

In this article

• County rankings
• Top 5 snowiest counties
• Key insights
• A look back at the Blizzard of ’96
• Expert take: Safe snow removal
• Methodology: How we ranked the snowiest counties
• Cold hands, warm snowblower: Winter lawn care tips

County rankings

See how each county fared in our ranking:

Top 5 snowiest counties

Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 snowiest counties.

Key insights

It’s no secret that Alaska and counties around the Great Lakes like Erie County, New York (No. 2), Onondaga County, New York (No. 5), and Chippewa County, Michigan (No. 17), see the most flurries in a typical year. A lake effect causes snow clouds to form and expand over the Great Lakes, forming snow bands that can drop 3+ inches of snow per hour on nearby communities. 

Alaska claims the top 13 coldest counties based on average historical annual temperature. Among the counties in our ranking, North Slope Borough (No. 63) is the most frigid, where about 11,000 locals deal with an average annual temperature of 18.4°F and 314 days of the year at or below 32°F. 

Snowy surprise: The record for most snowfall over 3 days among the counties in our ranking goes to Coconino County, Arizona (No. 6), with almost 8 feet of snow in 2010. Flagstaff is the biggest city in Coconino County.

The Chicago region is most prepared to weather the storm with 170 snow removal services operating in Cook County, Illinois (No. 15). Meanwhile, residents in wintry rural areas like Coos County, New Hampshire (No. 1), and Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska (No. 4), are out there shoveling their own snow with few registered snow removal businesses. 

Southern counties like Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (No. 137), Richmond, Virginia (No. 133), and Jefferson County, Kentucky (No. 127), had explosive growth in searches for snow-related terms like snow plowing between 2024 and 2025. Mecklenburg — home to Charlotte — saw the highest jump nationwide, with searches increasing by nearly 600% year-over-year. The Charlotte region saw its first snowfall in 2025 after a nearly 3-year drought. 

Snowiest counties by region

Out of the counties represented in our ranking, here are the snowiest by region (excluding Alaska):

Year in review: Historic snow events of 2025

• Last year, a Gulf Coast Blizzard broke snowfall and temperature records from Texas to Florida, with all-time records set in Pensacola, Florida, with 8.9 inches (a statewide record), New Orleans — Orleans Parish (No. 198) — with 8 inches a couple of weeks before hosting the Super Bowl, and Mobile County, Alabama (No. 201), with 7.5 inches. 

• Winter Storm Blair led 10 states — from Kansas to Virginia — to declare a state of emergency due to heavy snow and ice accumulation. 

A look back at the Blizzard of ’96

From Jan. 6–8, 1996, a blizzard struck 20 Eastern states, impacting over 58 million residents. Considered one of only two U.S. snowstorms ranked “extreme” by the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale, the Blizzard of ’96 significantly impacted the Southeast, Ohio Valley, and Northeast regions.

• The blizzard cost an estimated $3 billion in damages.
• The storm and its aftermath — including widespread flooding from rapid snowmelt — led to 184 deaths.
• 60 reported deaths occurred during the storm itself, 29 of which were caused by heart attacks from shoveling snow. 
• Wind gusts blew up to 81 mph, which is considered hurricane-force winds. 
• NYC schools closed for the first time in almost 2 decades. 

Counties most impacted by the Blizzard of ’96

Personal recollections of the Blizzard of ’96

The Blizzard of ’96 occurred before my time, but I reached out to some folks who were around to hear their memories of the disaster.

My father was ice fishing with some friends and family members on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks when snow started piling up so quickly that it took just 30 minutes for their tip-ups to disappear. 

“We got to the old Rear Wheel Drive van, and it would not start,” he says. “At that time, a gentleman was plowing out the local garage parking lot. He actually had the part we needed to get the old van running. It was so cold in the van that we fired up the Coleman stove to keep warm for our long ride home.” 

A family friend heard that the school would be keeping students in for the night due to the blizzard, but “Momma wasn’t having that,” says Crystal Jenkins Miner, so they “got in the ole Nissan and headed for the schools,” then brought the boys over to a friend’s house where both families were snowed in for 2 days. 

“When we got home, there was a wall of snow at the driveway entrance, so we went crotch deep in snow to get to the front door. It took HOURS to dig it out enough to even get the truck in the yard. What a storm!” Miner says.

“Jumping off the front porch roof into the snow” was a highlight for Nicole Samantha, who recalls, “I believe it was right around the same time my brother spinal fractured his leg from hip to ankle on one of those jumps! Those were the days!”

Expert take: Safe snow removal

Snow and ice can be dangerous to deal with. I learned this the hard way as a kid when I slipped on an icy road after getting off the school bus, breaking 4 of my front teeth and prompting an emergency trip to the dentist.

Slipping, car accidents, and falling icicles aren’t the only hazards: Snow shoveling can create the perfect storm of cardiovascular stress to cause heart attacks. Arm-intensive exercise can be harder on the heart, while cold winter air constricts blood vessels, slowing blood and oxygen movement to the heart.

• About 11,500 people end up in the ER due to snow shoveling injuries each year.
• 100 people die each year on average due to shoveling snow.
• Increased cardiac risk begins at age 45.
• A study based in Quebec found that heavy snowfall of 7–8 inches has been correlated with up to a 34% increased risk of death for men.

We turned to a panel of snow removal professionals and health experts to learn more about safe snow removal practices. Explore their tips below.

1. What are the top 3 safety tips for homeowners who DIY their snow removal?
2. What, if anything, can homeowners do ahead of a snowstorm to make cleanup easier?
3. Who should invest in a snowblower? At what snowfall amount does it pay off?
4. What are 3 ways snow can damage your home or property, including your lawn?
5. At what point should homeowners call professionals instead of removing snow themselves?
6. What’s the typical cost range for residential snow removal (per visit vs. seasonal contract)?

Darin R. Smith

President

Ken Boegeman, CSP, ASM

President

Martin Tirado

CEO/Executive Director

Dr. Alex Loch

Physical Therapist

Darin R. Smith

President

ALPINE SMITH, Inc.

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Darin R. Smith

President

ALPINE SMITH, Inc.

What are the top 3 safety tips for homeowners who DIY their snow removal?

1. Wear appropriate footwear to avoid slips and falls.

2. Be prepared, stretch, and don’t overstrain yourself.

3. Be mindful of where the snow is being blown. Look out for gas meters, windows, etc.

What, if anything, can homeowners do ahead of a snowstorm to make cleanup easier?

1. Survey the area to be cleared and the area where you will be placing snow to avoid damage.

2. Clearly mark obstacles.

3. Clean the area to be cleared of unwanted items, like leaves, pine needles, rocks, dirt, etc.

Who should invest in a snowblower? At what snowfall amount does it pay off?

This largely depends upon how much you are able to and want to shovel and how much time you have.

What are 3 ways snow can damage your home or property, including your lawn?

You can easily damage your landscaping by venturing out of the area you intend to clear. You can also damage landscaping, structures, and automobiles by misdirected snow storage, i.e., blowing snow where you should not, and also blowing rocks, dirt, and debris at structures and autos.

At what point should homeowners call professionals instead of removing snow themselves?

Simply stated, you should consider hiring a pro when the snowfall is larger than your desire or ability to move it.

Ken Boegeman, CSP, ASM

President

Swinter Group, Inc.

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Ken Boegeman, CSP, ASM

President

Swinter Group, Inc.

What are the top 3 safety tips for homeowners who DIY their snow removal?

1. Know your limits: Snow removal can be quite laborious and necessitates hard work in extreme cold conditions. Take whatever steps necessary to make sure you do not injure yourself with heavy lifting or pushing.

2. Dress for the weather: Be sure you have warm, dry clothing on while shoveling snow.

3. Beware of hidden ice: It is possible that there may be ice under the snow you are shoveling. Be aware of your footing and take extreme caution to make sure you do not slip and fall.

What, if anything, can homeowners do ahead of a snowstorm to make cleanup easier?

1. Make sure your equipment is ready to go. If you are using mechanized equipment (ATV, snowblower, etc.), make sure it is fueled, properly maintained, and functioning properly. If using a shovel, make sure it is in good condition and ready to go.

2. Have deicing chemicals at the ready. Whether using it as a pre- or post-treatment, having materials ready will save you a trip to the store at a time when road conditions are likely at their worst.

Who should invest in a snowblower? At what snowfall amount does it pay off?

Anyone who has the means to procure a snowblower or other mechanized means of snow removal would benefit from doing so. Snow blowers in particular are most valuable with snowfall amounts in excess of 1”, so they will have a greater ROI in snowier areas.

What are 3 ways snow can damage your home or property, including your lawn?

1. Heavy snow can damage awnings, tents, or other non-structural items on your home. It is best to take these down prior to snowfall or to remove the snow from them to avoid damage.

2. Deicing materials can damage concrete. The use of the wrong type of deicing material on concrete, pavers, or other cementitious surfaces can lead to little pops (called spalling) that are very, very expensive to repair.

3. Plow trucks, tractors, or other equipment may damage your lawn. It is a good idea to place flags or other markers along the edge of your driveway so equipment operators are aware of the boundaries.

At what point should homeowners call professionals instead of removing snow themselves?

Realistically, if any of the above points or suggestions do not make sense to you, or you have any questions, calling a professional is advised. Particularly when it comes to deicing materials — if you have pets or concrete surfaces you would like to protect, it is important to speak with someone who understands deicing sciences to make sure you are applying the proper type and amount of chemicals.

Martin Tirado

CEO/Executive Director

Snow & Ice Management Association, Inc.

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Martin Tirado

CEO/Executive Director

Snow & Ice Management Association, Inc.

What are the top 3 safety tips for homeowners who DIY their snow removal?

There are several. Want to use the shoveling tips that pros use? See this short video.

What, if anything, can homeowners do ahead of a snowstorm to make cleanup easier?

Pre-storm, make sure you have the proper tools and materials, such as a high-quality shovel and deicing material to melt after shoveling or snowblowing. Appropriate winter weather clothing, including high visibility gear, especially while at the end of your driveway when there is traffic on the road.

Who should invest in a snowblower? At what snowfall amount does it pay off?

This depends on the size of the area you need to clear of snow and the amount of annual snowfall. This is a personal preference, as people like to choose their own option. Typically, the larger the area that needs snow removal (driveway, front entry, walkways), the more people prefer a snow blower. You still need a shovel and de-icing material to clean up the tight areas that a snow blower cannot reach.

What are 3 ways snow can damage your home or property, including your lawn?

1. Ice dams are created by the buildup of snow on roofs and gutters. If this is a problem on your property, you should invest in a roof rake.

2. Damage to the lawn from not knowing where there are grass and shrubs. Stake your property to mark where grass and other structures meet paved surfaces.

3. Overuse of deicing materials, such as rock salt, will kill greenery and erode concrete. Overuse can also harm freshwater sources. Use enough to get a safe surface, yet be careful not to overapply. Use the concepts in this video to help.

At what point should homeowners call professionals instead of removing snow themselves?

This is also a personal preference. If you prefer having a professional plow snow at your home, ask your service provider to use the best practices checklist from SIMA.

Dr. Alex Loch

Physical Therapist

motivPT

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Dr. Alex Loch

Physical Therapist

motivPT

What are the top 3 safety tips for homeowners who DIY their snow removal?

1. Warm up: Shoveling can be strenuous, and if you jump into a strenuous activity without a light warm-up or gentle stretches, you’re setting your body up for an injury.

2. Take breaks: Don’t force yourself to get it done all at once, especially if it’s a big snowfall. Do part of it, take 10-15 minutes off, then keep going. Repetitive stress on your back muscles without rest can easily lead to muscle strains.

3. Don’t overfill your shovel: If the snow is wet and heavy, that means your shovel gets heavier, which means a lot more force gets placed on your back and spine. For heavier snow, shovel smaller amounts and try pushing the snow when you can instead of repeatedly lifting it.

What, if anything, can homeowners do ahead of a snowstorm to make cleanup easier?

Clear your area. If there’s a planter or chair that always gets in the way of your cleanup, move it if you can. It’ll make the job easier when it comes time to shovel.

Have your shovels ready to go where you need them, not 100 feet away in the garage, requiring you to stomp through snow before you even start.

At what point should homeowners call professionals instead of removing snow themselves?

If you don’t feel up to the job, there’s no shame in getting assistance. I think of people with known injuries, or balance problems, or those who know they haven’t prepared their body for a task as strenuous as shoveling can be.

There are easy ways to get stronger and make shoveling safe — I do this with clients all the time — but if you haven’t done so, then getting help with shoveling is far preferred to risking a further injury that could really set your body back.

Methodology: How we ranked the snowiest counties

To rank the Snowiest Counties, we compared 213 U.S. counties across 8 metrics.

Our metrics covered 3 main themes:

• Historical Snowfall (60%): We considered each county’s average monthly historical snowfall for the months of November through April from 1991 to 2020, in addition to record historical snowfall in a single day and over 3 days. 

• Climate (15%): We factored in the average historical annual temperature and average historical number of extremely cold days (aka days below 32°F). 

• Snow Removal and Preparedness (25%): We considered the number of registered businesses offering snow removal services and equipment, local Google searches for snow-related terms, and the year-over-year difference in Google searches for snow-related terms. 

For each of the 213 U.S. counties with available data, we then gathered data on each metric from the sources listed below. 

Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each county to determine its rank in each metric, each category, and overall. A county’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all metrics and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Snowiest” (No. 1) and the lowest “Least Snowy” (No. 213).

Notes:

• Due to a lack of available data, 45 counties were not included in our ranking this year that were included in previous rankings. 
• Some metrics and their weights are different compared to analyses from previous years. 
• Data collection for this story occurred between Nov. 24, 2025, and Dec. 19, 2025. 
• The lowest rank among individual factors may not be No. 213 due to ties. 

Sources

Data Axle, Google Ads, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Cold hands, warm snowblower: Winter lawn care tips

Snow is unpredictable. 2025 was one of the warmest years on record, yet many regions still faced emergency declarations due to winter storms. A winter storm disrupted holiday travel plans at the end of 2025, leading to over 5,000 flight delays and 1,000 cancellations.

It’s important for homeowners to stay prepared ahead of the storm. “Make sure your equipment is ready to go. If you are using mechanized equipment (ATV, snowblower, etc.), make sure it is fueled, properly maintained, and functioning properly,” shares Ken Boegeman, president of Swinter Group, Inc. “If using a shovel, make sure it is in good condition and ready to go.”

Many folks might turn to rock salt and other deicing chemicals to cover driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes. However, rock salt is corrosive, and its use causes an estimated $5 billion in repair costs annually across the U.S. It’s important to also consider the environmental impacts of these chemicals, which can impact local soil, water, and air quality — and can kill your lawn. 

Snow also can damage your turf by suffocating your grass, causing snow mold, and other issues related to lawn flooding. Follow our tips below for a healthy lawn come spring. 

Snow Removal

• Winter Storm Checklist and Snow Removal Tips
• How to Remove Snow Safely
• How Much Does Snow Removal Cost in 2026?

Winter Lawn Damage Prevention and Recovery

• How to Protect Your Lawn From Winter Damage
• How to Keep Grass Green in Winter
• How to Winterize Your Lawn
• How to Repair Winter Damage in Your Lawn
• 5 Signs of Freeze Damage on Plants
• How to Save Plants After a Freeze
• What is Winterkill?

Many lawn care professionals undertake snow removal projects to stay busy during the winter season. 

Bundle up and let Lawn Love connect you with the best snow removal crews near youwhile you stay cozy inside. Here’s hoping we don’t get hit with another major snowstorm the likes of the Blizzard of ’96 this year.

Media resources

• High-resolution images of cities
• 2025’s Snowiest Counties ranking results
• 2024’s Snowiest Counties ranking results

Main photo credit: Studio Romantic / Adobe Stock / License

Sav Maive

Sav Maive is a writer based in San Antonio, with roots in the Adirondacks and Blue Ridge Mountains. She has also lived in San Diego and Washington, D.C., and has been writing lawn care stories for Lawn Love since 2021. With a passion for sustainability, Sav loves covering eco-friendly practices to empower homeowners to cultivate beautiful yards while building a healthier planet.

Posts by Sav Maive