Alameda, California Air Quality
Alameda has a median AQI of 49, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 16% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2024, Alameda recorded 194 good air quality days (53% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 77,238 • County: Alameda
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 25 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2024) | 49 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 16% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| 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 Alameda is sourced from the Laney College monitoring area, located approximately 2 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Alameda'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
Alameda Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Alameda — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 49 | 194 | 1 | 105 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 48 | 197 | 13 | 130 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 49 | 185 | 5 | 122 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 53 | 155 | 10 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 52 | 169 | 20 | 243 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 50 | 183 | 8 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 57 | 77 | 17 | 248 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 56 | 106 | 14 | 205 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 52 | 155 | 15 | 154 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2024 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2024)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Alameda Air Quality
What is the air quality in Alameda today?
The current AQI in Alameda 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 Alameda getting better or worse?
Air quality in Alameda has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 3 points (from 52 in 2016 to 49 in 2024).
What is the most common air pollutant in Alameda?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Alameda, responsible for 352 days (96% of monitored days) in 2024. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Alameda have per year?
In 2024, Alameda recorded 53% good air quality days (194 days) out of 366 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 105.
What air quality grade does Alameda receive?
Alameda receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 16% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 49 in 2024, with 194 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 16% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Alameda compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Alameda
Alameda faces elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke in addition to year-round traffic and industrial sources. We prioritize True HEPA units with high smoke CADR — essential for rapid air cleaning during smoke events.
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