Urbana, Arkansas Air Quality
Urbana has a median AQI of 52, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 10% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Urbana recorded 40 good air quality days (44% of monitored days).
Population: 147 • County: Union
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 25 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 52 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 10% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 Urbana is sourced from the Monroe monitoring area, located approximately 51 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Urbana tends to see elevated PM2.5 readings during fall and winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface. Wood burning, vehicle exhaust, and reduced wind speeds compound the effect. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor forecasts closely between November and February.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Urbana Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Urbana — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 52 | 40 | — | 70 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 49 | 62 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 51 | 59 | 1 | 102 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 47 | 65 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 48 | 66 | — | 74 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 45 | 74 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 46 | 135 | — | 99 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 49 | 189 | 3 | 122 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 52 | 164 | — | 92 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 47 | 66 | — | 74 | 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 Urbana Air Quality
What is the air quality in Urbana today?
The current AQI in Urbana is 25, 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 Urbana getting better or worse?
Air quality in Urbana has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 5 points (from 47 in 2016 to 52 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Urbana?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Urbana, responsible for 91 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Urbana have per year?
In 2025, Urbana recorded 44% good air quality days (40 days) out of 91 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 70.
What air quality grade does Urbana receive?
Urbana receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 10% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 52 in 2025, with 40 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 10% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 52, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Urbana
National Rankings
See how Urbana compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Urbana
Urbana sees its worst PM2.5 during winter temperature inversions when particulates get trapped near ground level. A unit with True HEPA and an auto-mode sensor is most effective for responding to these spikes.
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