Clarkston, Georgia Air Quality
Clarkston has a median AQI of 46, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 24% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Clarkston recorded 168 good air quality days (62% of monitored days).
Population: 14,557 • County: DeKalb
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 27 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 46 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 24% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| 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 Clarkston is sourced from the South DeKalb monitoring area, located approximately 9 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Clarkston 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
Clarkston Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Clarkston — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46 | 168 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 51 | 178 | 6 | 133 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 53 | 140 | 7 | 136 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 51 | 177 | 2 | 147 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 49 | 190 | 2 | 119 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 46 | 215 | 1 | 106 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 173 | 4 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 49 | 195 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 51 | 174 | 1 | 143 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 57 | 107 | 9 | 151 | 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 Clarkston Air Quality
What is the air quality in Clarkston today?
The current AQI in Clarkston is 27, 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 Clarkston getting better or worse?
Air quality in Clarkston has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 11 points (from 57 in 2016 to 46 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Clarkston?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Clarkston, responsible for 172 days (63% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Clarkston have per year?
In 2025, Clarkston recorded 62% good air quality days (168 days) out of 272 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 90.
What air quality grade does Clarkston receive?
Clarkston receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 24% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 46 in 2025, with 168 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 24% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Clarkston compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Clarkston
Clarkston 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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