Could You Outrun the Undead? Ranking the Top 20 Most Populous U.S. Cities by Zombie Escape Potential

With The Last of Us returning to our TV screens, it’s got us all wondering: if the infected hit your city, would you make it out? Or would you be stuck in gridlock while hordes of the undead approached?

Inspired by the show’s return, we’ve looked at the 20 most populated cities in the U.S. and ranked them based on how easy it would be to get out if a zombie apocalypse kicked off.

We evaluated seven factors, including population density, road conditions, access to rural areas, number of gas stations, average traffic congestion, access to cars, and walkability.

Some cities offer better odds than other. Here’s how they stack up when it comes to making a clean getaway.

City Rankings

City	Score (out of 100)
1. Fort Worth	74.29
2. San Diego	66.43
3. Oklahoma City	62.86
4. Jacksonville	62.14
5. Phoenix	62.14
6. San Antonio	61.43
7. Dallas	60.71
8. Austin	60.71
9. Indianapolis	59.29
10. Columbus	57.14
11. Charlotte	56.43
12. San Jose	55.71
13. Houston	51.43
14. Denver	51.43
15. Seattle	46.43
16. Philadelphia	43.57
17. Chicago	41.43
18. New York	40.71
19. San Francisco	35.71
20. Los Angeles	31.43

Best Cities for Escaping the Zombie Apocalypse

Fort Worth

Fort Worth has been named the best city for escaping a zombie outbreak, thanks to its solid infrastructure and manageable traffic. Only 21% of its roads are in poor condition, while 48% are rated fair to good, which means fewer chances of delays when trying to get out quickly. Plus, a low population density of 2,646 people per square mile and just 22% average traffic congestion suggests Fort Worth offers a clear path for a fast getaway.

For those looking to evacuate to safer ground, there are several nearby destinations worth considering. Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Cleburne State Park are both just 47 miles from the city center, offering natural retreats away from urban chaos. A bit farther out, Dinosaur Valley is 63 miles away and provides another good option for getting off the grid.

San Diego

San Diego comes in as the second-best city to make your zombie escape, and it's not hard to see why. With 226 gas stations, light traffic (only 24% average congestion), and 96% of residents owning a car, most people are set to hit the road fast if things go south. When every second counts, having a full tank of gas and an open lane can make all the difference.

If you're looking to get out of town and stay ahead of the chaos, there are several solid hideouts nearby. Goodan Ranch is just 27 miles away, Otay Open Space Preserve is even closer at 25 miles, and for those wanting to really disappear, Cleveland National Forest sits 45 miles out, offering plenty of space to stay off the radar.

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is a top contender for surviving a zombie outbreak, thanks to its wide-open spaces and minimal traffic. With just 1,123 people per square mile and a super low average congestion level of 16%, it’s the perfect place to hit the road without getting stuck behind a caravan of panicked drivers.

For those aiming to get off the grid, there are a couple of nearby spots worth the drive. Lake Thunderbird is just 35 miles away and offers plenty of space to lie low, while Glen Collins Memorial Park, only 31 miles out, gives you a peaceful place to regroup and stay safe from the chaos.

Worst Big Cities for Escaping a Zombie Outbreak

Los Angeles

Los Angeles ranks last when it comes to escaping a zombie outbreak. With a staggering 57% of its roads in poor condition, fleeing the city quickly becomes a logistical nightmare. The dense urban layout doesn’t help either, with 8,304 people crammed into every square mile, creating the kind of gridlock that can bring any evacuation to a halt. Add to that an average traffic congestion level of 43%, and you’ve got a city primed for chaos the moment panic sets in.

San Francisco

San Francisco comes in just ahead of Los Angeles, but it’s still one of the worst places to be when a zombie outbreak hits. The city’s extremely high population density (18,635 people per square mile) means crowded streets, limited mobility, and a higher risk of infection spreading fast. With 71% of roads in poor condition and an average congestion level of 32%, trying to navigate a route out of the city would be frustrating at best, and downright impossible once chaos breaks loose.

New York City

New York City ranks as the third worst city for escaping a zombie outbreak, largely due to its overwhelming population density—the highest in the U.S. at 29,298 people per square mile. That kind of crowding turns even a normal commute into a challenge, let alone a full-scale evacuation. With 46% of roads in poor condition and an average traffic congestion level of 30%, the city’s infrastructure simply isn’t built for fast exits. In a zombie crisis, the sheer number of people, combined with aging roads and gridlocks, would make escaping the five boroughs a near-impossible task.

Why It Matters Beyond a Zombie Outbreak

When ranking cities by how easily residents could escape a zombie outbreak, one factor stood out: the condition of local infrastructure. And while the scenario may be fictional the implications are very real.

Well-maintained roads and transportation infrastructure are critical not just for emergencies, but for daily life—impacting everything from commute times to economic productivity and public safety. Crumbling infrastructure slows response times for first responders, increases vehicle repair costs for residents, and makes cities more vulnerable during natural disasters or large-scale evacuations.

Investing in durable, efficient infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about resilience, preparedness, and the ability to protect communities when it matters most.

Whether you’re planning for the next zombie apocalypse or simply starting that next construction project, you need dependable parts you can rely on—explore our wide selection of excavator parts to get started!

Methodology

Scores were awarded by ranking each city for seven criteria, including: road conditions, distance to rural areas from the city center, population density per square mile, number of gas stations in the city, average traffic density, car ownership rates, and walkability score. Each city was then awarded a score between 1 and 10 for each criterion, based on where it ranked versus the other cities. Those scores were then added together and multiplied by (100/70) to get a final score out of 100.