Buellton, California Air Quality
Buellton has a median AQI of 54, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 5% 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, Buellton recorded 54 good air quality days (30% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 5,074 • County: Santa Barbara
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 36 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 54 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 5% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 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 Buellton is sourced from the Santa Ynez monitoring area, located approximately 7 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 Buellton'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
Buellton Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Buellton — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 54 | 54 | 1 | 186 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 49 | 193 | 2 | 146 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 45 | 232 | — | 95 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 48 | 198 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 44 | 240 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 48 | 199 | 13 | 174 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 45 | 242 | 1 | 105 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 51 | 173 | 2 | 114 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 51 | 181 | 17 | 313 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 50 | 191 | 12 | 313 | 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 Buellton Air Quality
What is the air quality in Buellton today?
The current AQI in Buellton is 36, 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 Buellton getting better or worse?
Air quality in Buellton has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 4 points (from 50 in 2016 to 54 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Buellton?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Buellton, responsible for 156 days (86% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Buellton have per year?
In 2025, Buellton recorded 30% good air quality days (54 days) out of 181 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 186.
What air quality grade does Buellton receive?
Buellton receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 5% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 54 in 2025, with 54 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 5% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 54, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Buellton
National Rankings
See how Buellton compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Buellton
Buellton 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.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
- ✓Perfect room size match
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- ✓Has 1/3 desired features
- ✓High performance
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Other Great Options
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
Best overall value for medium rooms. Excellent performance at an affordable price.
Winix 5500-2
Feature-rich purifier at a great price. Good for allergies.
Not sure which air purifier is right for you?
Learn more about different types of air purifiers and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Read our complete buying guide →