Fountain Valley, California Air Quality
Fountain Valley has a median AQI of 52, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 10% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Fountain Valley recorded 122 good air quality days (45% of monitored days) and 9 unhealthy days.
Population: 56,258 • County: Orange
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 53 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 52 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 10% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 9 |
| 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 Fountain Valley is sourced from the Anaheim monitoring area, located approximately 8 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 Fountain Valley'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
Fountain Valley Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Fountain Valley — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 52 | 122 | 9 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 54 | 119 | 16 | 172 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 160 | 10 | 166 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 53 | 143 | 7 | 156 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 55 | 109 | 18 | 148 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 56 | 118 | 41 | 218 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 53 | 157 | 16 | 172 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 54 | 114 | 18 | 160 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 59 | 86 | 32 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 58 | 87 | 15 | 169 | 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 Fountain Valley Air Quality
What is the air quality in Fountain Valley today?
The current AQI in Fountain Valley is 53, 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 Fountain Valley getting better or worse?
Air quality in Fountain Valley has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 6 points (from 58 in 2016 to 52 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Fountain Valley?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Fountain Valley, responsible for 149 days (54% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Fountain Valley have per year?
In 2025, Fountain Valley recorded 45% good air quality days (122 days) out of 274 monitored days. There were 8 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 159.
What air quality grade does Fountain Valley receive?
Fountain Valley receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 10% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 52 in 2025, with 122 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 10% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 52, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Fountain Valley
National Rankings
See how Fountain Valley compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Fountain Valley
Fountain Valley 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
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓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 →