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Least polluted cities in America with the best air quality right now

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.

Current air quality rankings: Least polluted cities in the US

Last updated - (Local time)

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RankCityAQIPM2.5PM10O3SO2NO2CO

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 SchemeRisk LevelIndex Values

Green

Good0 - 50

Yellow

Moderate51 - 100

Orange

Unhealthy for sensitive groups101 - 150

Red

Unhealthy151 - 200

Purple

Very unhealthy201 - 300

Maroon

Hazardous301 - 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 SchemeRisk LevelPM₂.₅ (µg/m³)PM10 (µg/m³)O3 (ppb)NO2 (ppb)SO2 (ppb)CO (ppm)

Green

Good0 - 120 - 540 - 540 - 530 - 350 - 4.4

Yellow

Fine12.1 - 35.455 - 15455 - 7054 - 10036 - 754.5 - 9.4

Orange

Moderate35.5 - 55.4155 - 25471 - 85101 - 36076 - 1859.5 - 12.4

Red

Poor55.5 - 250.4255 - 42486 - 200361 - 1249186 - 60412.5 - 30.4

Purple

Very poor250.5 - 500.4425 - 604201+1250 - 2049605 - 100430.5 - 50.4

Maroon

Hazardous500.5+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.

Why the least polluted cities in America stay pristine

The least polluted cities in America maintain their pristine status due to a combination of factors:

Geography and climate

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.

Efficient transportation systems

Well-developed public transportation systems, cycling infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods encourage residents to choose cleaner modes of transportation, reducing vehicle emissions.
Source: ACEEE

Community engagement

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

Strict environmental regulations

These cities have fewer allergenic plants like ragweed, oak, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Source: US EPA

Renewable energy sources

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.

Land use planning

Careful urban planning that promotes mixed-use development, reduces urban sprawl, and preserves green spaces can help minimize pollution sources and improve air quality.

Frequently asked questions

Do clean cities have higher house prices?

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Yes, Average 22% premium vs national median (Rightmove 2024 analysis).


Do clean air cities have lower COVID-19 mortality rates?

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NIH studies show 23% lower COVID-19 death rates in cities with AQI < 50 vs. national average.


How much more do homes cost in low-pollution ZIP codes?

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Redfin data shows 22% price premiums in areas with AQI < 35. Premiums reach 40% in Hawaii’s cleanest regions.


Can clean cities stay pollution-free during wildfire season?

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No. 2023 Canadian wildfires temporarily doubled PM2.5 in Maine/NH. Check our real-time maps during fire season.


Which clean city is best for electric vehicle owners?

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Burlington, VT tops our ranking with 98% renewable energy and 127 public EV chargers per 10k residents.


Do clean cities offer tax incentives for green home renovations?

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14 states provide 5-15% property tax rebates for ENERGY STAR HVAC systems in cities with AQI <35.


How do clean cities impact K-12 test scores?

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Stanford studies show 11% higher math proficiency in low-PM2.5 districts vs. national averages.


Are clean cities attracting more tech startups?

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Yes. VC funding for tech firms in low-pollution metros grew 37% YoY vs. 12% nationally (Crunchbase 2024).


Do clean cities have stricter noise pollution laws?

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92% enforce dB limits 50% below EPA standards, with Burlington, VT issuing $1,250 fines for leaf blower violations.


Are hurricane risks lower in clean-air coastal cities?

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No correlation exists, but NOAA notes cleaner Gulf Coast cities recover 9 days faster post-storm due to healthier workforces.


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