Maxwell, California Air Quality
Maxwell has a median AQI of 39, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 65% 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, Maxwell recorded 225 good air quality days (85% of monitored days).
Population: 1,245 • County: Colusa
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 58 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 39 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 65% |
| 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 Maxwell is sourced from the Colusa - Sunrise Blvd. monitoring area, located approximately 12 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Maxwell'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
Maxwell Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Maxwell — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 39 | 225 | — | 96 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 54 | 68 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 55 | 115 | — | 98 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 44 | 240 | 1 | 105 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 55 | 111 | 16 | 225 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 42 | 218 | 32 | 221 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 41 | 260 | — | 85 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 46 | 206 | 28 | 299 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 43 | 237 | 8 | 213 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 45 | 222 | — | 92 | 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 Maxwell Air Quality
What is the air quality in Maxwell today?
The current AQI in Maxwell is 58, 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 Maxwell getting better or worse?
Air quality in Maxwell has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 6 points (from 45 in 2016 to 39 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Maxwell?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Maxwell, responsible for 149 days (56% 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 Maxwell have per year?
In 2025, Maxwell recorded 85% good air quality days (225 days) out of 265 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 96.
What air quality grade does Maxwell receive?
Maxwell receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 65% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 39 in 2025, with 225 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 65% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Maxwell compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Maxwell
Ozone is Maxwell's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
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Honeywell HPA300
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RabbitAir MinusA2
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