First Mesa, Arizona Air Quality
First Mesa has a median AQI of 12, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 97% 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, First Mesa recorded 272 good air quality days (100% of monitored days).
Population: 1,459 • County: Navajo
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 13 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 12 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 97% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 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 First Mesa is sourced from the Payson Well Site monitoring area, located approximately 124 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
First Mesa typically sees its worst air quality during summer afternoons when heat and sunlight drive ground-level ozone formation from vehicle and industrial emissions. Morning readings are generally 15–25 points lower than afternoon peaks. Outdoor activity is best planned for early morning on high-ozone days.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
First Mesa Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for First Mesa — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 272 | — | 53 | PM10 |
| 2024 | 13 | 359 | — | 53 | PM10 |
| 2023 | 43 | 290 | — | 84 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 44 | 307 | — | 93 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 44 | 292 | 1 | 101 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 43 | 314 | 2 | 136 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 44 | 294 | 1 | 112 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 44 | 260 | 2 | 115 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 44 | 278 | 1 | 101 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 43 | 299 | — | 90 | Ozone |
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 First Mesa Air Quality
What is the air quality in First Mesa today?
The current AQI in First Mesa is 13, 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 First Mesa getting better or worse?
Air quality in First Mesa has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 31 points (from 43 in 2016 to 12 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in First Mesa?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in First Mesa, responsible for 265 days (97% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does First Mesa have per year?
In 2025, First Mesa recorded 100% good air quality days (272 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 53.
What air quality grade does First Mesa receive?
First Mesa receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 97% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 12 in 2025, with 272 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 97% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how First Mesa compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for First Mesa
First Mesa'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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