Columbia, California Air Quality
Columbia has a median AQI of 40, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 60% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Columbia recorded 175 good air quality days (83% of monitored days).
Population: 2,235 • County: Tuolumne
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 40 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 60% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| 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 Columbia is sourced from the San Andreas monitoring area, located approximately 19 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Columbia 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
Columbia Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Columbia — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 40 | 175 | — | 87 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 40 | 286 | 4 | 115 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 43 | 237 | 2 | 112 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 39 | 237 | 1 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 41 | 295 | 2 | 136 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 41 | 277 | 5 | 143 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 43 | 273 | 2 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 43 | 254 | 21 | 154 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 44 | 231 | 25 | 143 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 44 | 223 | 45 | 164 | 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 Columbia Air Quality
What is the air quality in Columbia today?
The current AQI in Columbia is 20, 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 Columbia getting better or worse?
Air quality in Columbia has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 4 points (from 44 in 2016 to 40 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Columbia?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Columbia, responsible for 210 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Columbia have per year?
In 2025, Columbia recorded 83% good air quality days (175 days) out of 210 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 87.
What air quality grade does Columbia receive?
Columbia receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 60% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 40 in 2025, with 175 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 60% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Columbia compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Columbia
Columbia has a summer ozone problem — hot afternoons push AQI into Moderate or higher as sunlight converts vehicle and industrial emissions into ground-level ozone. Activated carbon and PECO filters chemically neutralize ozone rather than just trapping particles.
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