Anchorage, Alaska Air Quality
Anchorage has a median AQI of 24, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 92% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM10) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Anchorage recorded 147 good air quality days (81% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 288,976 • County: Anchorage
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 6 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 24 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 92% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
It's a great day to be active outside!
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Anchorage is sourced from the Port Alberni Elementary monitoring area, located approximately 1249 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Major roadways in the area include AK-1 (Glenn Hwy), AK-1 (Seward Hwy), AK-3 (Parks Hwy), and AK-6 (Muldoon Rd). Heavy vehicle traffic on these corridors is a primary source of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Key local pollution sources include vehicle traffic, wood-burning stoves (primary heat many homes), Cook Inlet inversions trapping PM2.5, wildfire smoke (seasonal), and oil and gas operations (Cook Inlet).
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Anchorage's air quality, with regional fires capable of pushing AQI from Good to Unhealthy within hours during fire season (typically July through October). On smoke-impacted days, staying indoors with windows closed and running an air purifier with a HEPA filter is the most effective protection.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Anchorage Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Anchorage — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | 147 | 1 | 110 | PM10 |
| 2024 | 24 | 297 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 21 | 319 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 24 | 302 | 1 | 125 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 28 | 289 | 2 | 132 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 27 | 294 | — | 92 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 32 | 254 | 9 | 163 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 30 | 288 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 28 | 299 | 1 | 105 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 40 | 252 | — | 91 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2025 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2025)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Anchorage Air Quality
What is the air quality in Anchorage today?
The current AQI in Anchorage is 6, rated "Good". Air quality is good — outdoor activity is safe for everyone today. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Is air quality in Anchorage getting better or worse?
Air quality in Anchorage has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 16 points (from 40 in 2016 to 24 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Anchorage?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in Anchorage, responsible for 108 days (59% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Anchorage have per year?
In 2025, Anchorage recorded 81% good air quality days (147 days) out of 182 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 110.
What air quality grade does Anchorage receive?
Anchorage receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 92% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 24 in 2025, with 147 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 92% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Anchorage compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Anchorage
Anchorage's primary pollutant is PM10 (coarse dust and pollen). Units with a washable pre-filter stage plus True HEPA handle the larger particles that drive most of this area's air quality days.
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