Folkston, Georgia Air Quality
Folkston has a median AQI of 24, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 92% 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, Folkston recorded 15 good air quality days (79% of monitored days).
Population: 4,631 • County: Charlton
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 24 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 92% |
| 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 Folkston is sourced from the Sheffield Elementary School monitoring area, located approximately 35 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Folkston 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
Folkston Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Folkston — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | 15 | — | 61 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 27 | 109 | — | 81 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 27 | 109 | — | 74 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 26 | 117 | — | 76 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 25 | 118 | — | 56 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 26 | 111 | 1 | 139 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 26 | 97 | — | 65 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 26 | 105 | — | 65 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 28 | 97 | — | 91 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 31 | 102 | — | 69 | 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 Folkston Air Quality
What is the air quality in Folkston today?
The current AQI in Folkston is 20, 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 Folkston getting better or worse?
Air quality in Folkston has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 7 points (from 31 in 2016 to 24 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Folkston?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Folkston, responsible for 19 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Folkston have per year?
In 2025, Folkston recorded 79% good air quality days (15 days) out of 19 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 61.
What air quality grade does Folkston receive?
Folkston receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 92% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 24 in 2025, with 15 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 92% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Folkston compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Folkston
Folkston 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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