Palatka, Florida Air Quality
Palatka has a median AQI of 21, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 94% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM10) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Palatka recorded 262 good air quality days (96% of monitored days).
Population: 10,650 • County: Putnam
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 83 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 21 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 94% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 Palatka is sourced from the Palatka monitoring area, located approximately 3 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Palatka has relatively consistent air quality throughout the year without a strong seasonal peak. Air quality is primarily influenced by local traffic, industrial activity, and regional weather patterns rather than a single seasonal driver.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Palatka Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Palatka — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 21 | 262 | — | 69 | PM10 |
| 2024 | 25 | 329 | 2 | 112 | PM10 |
| 2023 | 17 | 355 | — | 54 | PM10 |
| 2022 | 16 | 321 | — | 58 | PM10 |
| 2021 | 16 | 340 | — | 46 | PM10 |
| 2020 | 14 | 365 | — | 67 | PM10 |
| 2019 | 17 | 346 | — | 54 | PM10 |
| 2018 | 14 | 301 | — | 51 | PM10 |
| 2017 | 15 | 342 | — | 53 | PM10 |
| 2016 | 14 | 361 | — | 45 | PM10 |
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 Palatka Air Quality
What is the air quality in Palatka today?
The current AQI in Palatka 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 Palatka getting better or worse?
Air quality in Palatka has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 7 points (from 14 in 2016 to 21 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Palatka?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in Palatka, responsible for 273 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Palatka have per year?
In 2025, Palatka recorded 96% good air quality days (262 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 69.
What air quality grade does Palatka receive?
Palatka receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 94% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 21 in 2025, with 262 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 94% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Palatka compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Palatka
Palatka's primary pollutant is PM10 (coarse dust and pollen). Units with a washable pre-filter stage plus True HEPA handle the larger particles that drive most of this area's air quality days.
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