Lake City, Georgia Air Quality
Lake City 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, Lake City recorded 43 good air quality days (53% of monitored days).
Population: 2,909 • County: Clayton
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 26 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 49 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 14% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| 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 Lake City is sourced from the South DeKalb monitoring area, located approximately 7 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Lake City 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
Lake City Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Lake City — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 49 | 43 | — | 74 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 45 | 124 | 2 | 128 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 51 | 60 | — | 98 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 42 | 82 | — | 72 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 44 | 69 | — | 74 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 38 | 86 | — | 91 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 48 | 66 | — | 73 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 44 | 72 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 51 | 57 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 46 | 67 | 1 | 145 | 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 Lake City Air Quality
What is the air quality in Lake City today?
The current AQI in Lake City is 26, 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 Lake City getting better or worse?
Air quality in Lake City 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 Lake City?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Lake City, responsible for 81 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Lake City have per year?
In 2025, Lake City recorded 53% good air quality days (43 days) out of 81 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 74.
What air quality grade does Lake City receive?
Lake City 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 43 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
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Lake City compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Lake City
Lake City 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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