Least polluted cities in the UK with the best air quality right now
Stay ahead of pollution trends with live rankings of the least polluted cities in the UK. Our detailed AQI breakdowns and pollutant metrics, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO3, and CO, ensure you’re always informed about current air quality conditions.
Current air quality rankings: Least polluted cities in the UK
Last updated - (Local time)
| No results found | ||||||||
| Rank | City | AQI | PM2.5 | PM10 | O3 | SO2 | NO2 | CO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Understanding the air quality measurements
Air Quality Index (AQI) categories and color schemes
The AQI is divided into categories based on US EPA standards: Good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous.
Here is an overview of the color schemes used and the corresponding risk levels.
| Color Scheme | Risk Level | Index Values |
|---|---|---|
Green | Good | 0 - 50 |
Yellow | Moderate | 51 - 100 |
Orange | Unhealthy for sensitive groups | 101 - 150 |
Red | Unhealthy | 151 - 200 |
Purple | Very unhealthy | 201 - 300 |
Maroon | Hazardous | 301 - 500 |
Air quality pollutants categories
The air quality pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO, are categorized as good, fine, moderate, poor, and very poor.
Here is an overview of the color schemes used and the corresponding risk levels.
| Color Scheme | Risk Level | PM₂.₅ (µg/m³) | PM10 (µg/m³) | O3 (ppb) | NO2 (ppb) | SO2 (ppb) | CO (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Green | Good | 0 - 12 | 0 - 54 | 0 - 54 | 0 - 53 | 0 - 35 | 0 - 4.4 |
Yellow | Fine | 12.1 - 35.4 | 55 - 154 | 55 - 70 | 54 - 100 | 36 - 75 | 4.5 - 9.4 |
Orange | Moderate | 35.5 - 55.4 | 155 - 254 | 71 - 85 | 101 - 360 | 76 - 185 | 9.5 - 12.4 |
Red | Poor | 55.5 - 250.4 | 255 - 424 | 86 - 200 | 361 - 1249 | 186 - 604 | 12.5 - 30.4 |
Purple | Very poor | 250.5 - 500.4 | 425 - 604 | 201+ | 1250 - 2049 | 605 - 1004 | 30.5 - 50.4 |
Maroon | Hazardous | 500.5+ | 605+ | - | 2050+ | 1005+ | 50.5+ |
Your guide to air quality across the US and UK
Whether you're battling major air pollutants or seeking relief in the worst air quality cities, we’ve got you covered. Explore our detailed guides to stay informed and manage your health better.
Least polluted in US
View the least polluted cities in the US. Explore cities with the best air quality today!
Most polluted in US
View the most polluted cities in the US. Explore cities with the worst air quality today!
Most polluted cities in UK
View the most polluted cities in the UK. Explore UK pollution hotspots.
Health benefits of living in low-pollution cities in UK
Living in a low-pollution city in the UK offers numerous health benefits, according to NHS data and research:
Cleaner air is associated with a lower risk of developing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Studies have shown a link between reduced air pollution exposure and a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Children growing up in areas with lower pollution levels tend to have better lung function development.
Research indicates that living in areas with cleaner air is associated with a lower risk of premature death from various causes.
Some studies suggest that exposure to air pollution, especially in early childhood, may negatively impact cognitive development. Living in a low-pollution environment could potentially mitigate these effects.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK clean air cities have better public transport?
Yes. Top 5 clean cities average 92% electric bus fleets vs. 34% national average (DEFRA 2024).
Can I get tax breaks for moving to low-pollution areas?
No direct breaks, but Wales offers £2,000 grants for homebuyers near Clean Air Zones.
Are UK national parks affecting urban air quality?
Yes. Wind patterns from Snowdonia reduce Liverpool’s PM2.5 by 19% annually (University of Manchester study).
Do clean air zones increase local business revenue?
Bristol CAZ boosted footfall by 14% as shoppers preferred cleaner areas (2023 Chamber of Commerce report).
Do UK clean cities have lower pollen counts?
No direct link, but 68% of low-pollution cities use allergen-reducing urban forests, cutting hay fever cases by 22% (NHS Digital).
Are clean cities more resistant to climate gentrification?
Yes. Stricter Section 106 agreements in cities like Edinburgh cap rent increases near green zones at 2%/year.
Do UK clean cities prioritize bicycle imports?
Yes. Portsmouth’s 2022 Clean Transport Act mandates 30% of dock capacity for e-bike shipments vs. 8% nationally.
Can clean cities veto national infrastructure projects?
Limited power. However, Bath blocked a national highway expansion in 2023 using Section 14 of the Clean Air Act 2021.
Do low-pollution cities influence UK life expectancy?
ONS data shows residents in clean air cities live 2.3 years longer than national averages, with dementia rates 19% lower.
All Rights Reserved © Ambee Inc. 2025