Elk Creek, California Air Quality
Elk Creek 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, Elk Creek recorded 170 good air quality days (80% of monitored days).
Population: 36 • County: Glenn
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 83 — Moderate |
| 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 acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Elk Creek is sourced from the Willows-Colusa 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.
Elk Creek 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
Elk Creek Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Elk Creek — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 40 | 170 | — | 94 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 39 | 292 | — | 80 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 41 | 273 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 42 | 264 | 1 | 104 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 42 | 244 | 15 | 192 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 46 | 200 | 29 | 221 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 42 | 274 | — | 86 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 39 | 242 | 16 | 255 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 46 | 231 | 7 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 48 | 194 | — | 92 | 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 Elk Creek Air Quality
What is the air quality in Elk Creek today?
The current AQI in Elk Creek is 83, rated "Moderate". Air quality is moderate — unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Is air quality in Elk Creek getting better or worse?
Air quality in Elk Creek has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 8 points (from 48 in 2016 to 40 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Elk Creek?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Elk Creek, responsible for 154 days (73% 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 Elk Creek have per year?
In 2025, Elk Creek recorded 80% good air quality days (170 days) out of 212 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 94.
What air quality grade does Elk Creek receive?
Elk Creek 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 170 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
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Elk Creek
National Rankings
See how Elk Creek compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Elk Creek
Elk Creek 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.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
- ✓Good room size match
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓High performance
We may earn a commission from purchases
Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
RabbitAir MinusA2
Stylish wall-mountable design with customizable artwork panels.
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 →