PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island was ranked the third-worst state for potholes in the U.S. based on internet searches on pothole-related complaints, according to a study by QuoteWizard by Lendingtree released Monday.
Analysts looked at Google search statistics from Nov. 1, 2021, to Nov. 1 of this year to determine the rankings. The search index average is rounded and represents the number of queries in a particular state/location compared to other states.
The study found Michigan had the most complaints about potholes, with Indiana second worst. Washington and Vermont were fourth and fifth respectively.
Wyoming had the fewest pothole problems, followed by Nebraska, Delaware, Utah and North Carolina.
Providence was ranked 45th out of 50 cities listed for pothole problems. Nashville, Tenn., was ranked the worst in the country, followed by Spokane, Wash., Yakima, Wash., Philadelphia and Seattle.
Sacramento, Calif., had the fewest pothole problems in the nation, followed by New Orleans, Greenville, N.C., Davenport, Iowa, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Only two other New England cities were listed among the worst; Burlington, Vt., was 10th and Boston was 34th.
The study also found drivers between the ages of 35 and 44 hit more potholes than any other age group, with the average repair costs at $306.
