Augusta, Georgia Air Quality
Augusta 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. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Augusta recorded 144 good air quality days (53% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 439,238 • County: Richmond
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 28 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 49 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 14% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 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 Augusta is sourced from the Augusta monitoring area, located approximately 6 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Major roadways in the area include I-520, US-1, US-25, and US-78. Heavy vehicle traffic on these corridors is a primary source of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Key local pollution sources include vehicle traffic, Fort Gordon (Cyber Command) operations, power plants (Plant Vogtle nuclear), and paper mills upwind.
Augusta tends to see elevated PM2.5 readings during fall and winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface. Wood burning, vehicle exhaust, and reduced wind speeds compound the effect. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor forecasts closely between November and February.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Augusta Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Augusta — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 49 | 144 | 1 | 130 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 51 | 176 | 1 | 105 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 51 | 170 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 49 | 195 | — | 99 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 51 | 174 | 7 | 145 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 51 | 175 | 1 | 114 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 159 | 2 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 47 | 200 | 4 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 48 | 198 | 1 | 357 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 46 | 216 | 4 | 165 | 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 Augusta Air Quality
What is the air quality in Augusta today?
The current AQI in Augusta is 28, 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 Augusta getting better or worse?
Air quality in Augusta 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 Augusta?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Augusta, responsible for 213 days (78% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Augusta have per year?
In 2025, Augusta recorded 53% good air quality days (144 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 130.
What air quality grade does Augusta receive?
Augusta 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 144 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 Augusta compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Augusta
Augusta sees its worst PM2.5 during winter temperature inversions when particulates get trapped near ground level. A unit with True HEPA and an auto-mode sensor is most effective for responding to these spikes.
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