Urbandale, Iowa Air Quality
Urbandale 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 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, Urbandale recorded 178 good air quality days (59% of monitored days) and 2 unhealthy days.
Population: 46,595 • County: Polk
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 66 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 46 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 24% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 2 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| 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 Urbandale is sourced from the CARPENTER monitoring area, located approximately 8 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Urbandale 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
Urbandale Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Urbandale — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46 | 178 | 2 | 136 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 45 | 247 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 168 | 15 | 166 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 41 | 273 | — | 89 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 45 | 227 | 1 | 110 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 42 | 261 | 2 | 199 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 42 | 251 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 46 | 225 | 2 | 112 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 45 | 222 | 1 | 135 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 44 | 244 | 1 | 138 | 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 Urbandale Air Quality
What is the air quality in Urbandale today?
The current AQI in Urbandale is 66, 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 Urbandale getting better or worse?
Air quality in Urbandale has been stable. The median AQI has risen 2 points (from 44 in 2016 to 46 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Urbandale?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Urbandale, responsible for 202 days (66% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Urbandale have per year?
In 2025, Urbandale recorded 59% good air quality days (178 days) out of 304 monitored days. There were 2 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 136.
What air quality grade does Urbandale receive?
Urbandale 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 178 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 Urbandale compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Urbandale
Urbandale 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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