Stay ahead of pollution trends with live rankings of the least polluted cities in the USA. Our detailed AQI breakdowns and pollutant metrics, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2, and CO, ensure you’re always informed about current air quality conditions.
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Rank | City | AQI | PM2.5 | PM10 | O3 | SO2 | NO2 | CO |
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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 |
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+ |
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.
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The least polluted cities in America maintain their pristine status due to a combination of factors:
Some cities are naturally blessed with favorable conditions. For example, those located near coastlines or in mountainous regions often benefit from consistent winds that disperse pollutants. Additionally, areas with less intense sunlight and lower temperatures may experience slower ozone formation, a major component of smog.
Well-developed public transportation systems, cycling infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods encourage residents to choose cleaner modes of transportation, reducing vehicle emissions.
Source: ACEEE
Active citizen participation and environmental awareness campaigns can drive positive change. Informed citizens can advocate for cleaner policies, support sustainable businesses, and make conscious choices in their daily lives to reduce their environmental impact.
Source: American Public University
These cities have fewer allergenic plants like ragweed, oak, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Source: US EPA
Cities that embrace renewable energy sources like solar and wind power significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to air pollution.
Careful urban planning that promotes mixed-use development, reduces urban sprawl, and preserves green spaces can help minimize pollution sources and improve air quality.
Yes, Average 22% premium vs national median (Rightmove 2024 analysis).
NIH studies show 23% lower COVID-19 death rates in cities with AQI < 50 vs. national average.
Redfin data shows 22% price premiums in areas with AQI < 35. Premiums reach 40% in Hawaii’s cleanest regions.
No. 2023 Canadian wildfires temporarily doubled PM2.5 in Maine/NH. Check our real-time maps during fire season.
Burlington, VT tops our ranking with 98% renewable energy and 127 public EV chargers per 10k residents.
14 states provide 5-15% property tax rebates for ENERGY STAR HVAC systems in cities with AQI <35.
Stanford studies show 11% higher math proficiency in low-PM2.5 districts vs. national averages.
Yes. VC funding for tech firms in low-pollution metros grew 37% YoY vs. 12% nationally (Crunchbase 2024).
92% enforce dB limits 50% below EPA standards, with Burlington, VT issuing $1,250 fines for leaf blower violations.
No correlation exists, but NOAA notes cleaner Gulf Coast cities recover 9 days faster post-storm due to healthier workforces.
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