West Bishop, California Air Quality
West Bishop 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. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, West Bishop recorded 111 good air quality days (41% of monitored days) and 11 unhealthy days.
Population: 2,551 • County: Inyo
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 17 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 54 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 5% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 11 |
| 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 West Bishop is sourced from the NCORE - Bishop monitoring area, located approximately 7 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 West Bishop'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
West Bishop Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for West Bishop — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 54 | 111 | 11 | 163 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 61 | 90 | 30 | 1322 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 61 | 106 | 23 | 786 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 58 | 117 | 31 | 1551 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 61 | 100 | 42 | 558 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 57 | 158 | 55 | 705 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 47 | 226 | 12 | 653 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 49 | 192 | 37 | 638 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 49 | 195 | 25 | 2234 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 45 | 238 | 23 | 418 | 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 West Bishop Air Quality
What is the air quality in West Bishop today?
The current AQI in West Bishop is 17, 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 West Bishop getting better or worse?
Air quality in West Bishop has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 9 points (from 45 in 2016 to 54 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in West Bishop?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in West Bishop, responsible for 150 days (55% 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 West Bishop have per year?
In 2025, West Bishop recorded 41% good air quality days (111 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 8 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 3 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 163.
What air quality grade does West Bishop receive?
West Bishop 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 111 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 West Bishop
National Rankings
See how West Bishop compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for West Bishop
Ozone is West Bishop'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.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
- ✓Good room size match
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓High performance
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Other Great Options
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
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 →