Black Forest, Colorado Air Quality
Black Forest has a median AQI of 49, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 14% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Black Forest recorded 159 good air quality days (58% of monitored days).
Population: 15,738 • County: El Paso
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 13 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 49 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 14% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| 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 Black Forest is sourced from the Colorado College monitoring area, located approximately 17 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Black Forest 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
Black Forest Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Black Forest — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 49 | 159 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 49 | 202 | 14 | 166 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 47 | 240 | 2 | 154 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 46 | 249 | 2 | 115 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 47 | 224 | 28 | 140 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 46 | 241 | 7 | 151 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 46 | 249 | — | 100 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 47 | 217 | 8 | 119 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 47 | 223 | 3 | 116 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 46 | 253 | 2 | 126 | 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 Black Forest Air Quality
What is the air quality in Black Forest today?
The current AQI in Black Forest is 13, 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 Black Forest getting better or worse?
Air quality in Black Forest has been stable. The median AQI has risen 3 points (from 46 in 2016 to 49 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Black Forest?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Black Forest, responsible for 254 days (93% 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 Black Forest have per year?
In 2025, Black Forest recorded 58% good air quality days (159 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 97.
What air quality grade does Black Forest receive?
Black Forest receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 14% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 49 in 2025, with 159 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 14% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Black Forest compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Black Forest
Black Forest 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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