Aurora, Illinois Air Quality
Aurora 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 trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Aurora recorded 166 good air quality days (61% of monitored days) and 9 unhealthy days.
Population: 179,898 • County: Kane
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 21 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 46 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 24% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 9 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 Aurora is sourced from the Aurora monitoring area, located approximately 3 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-88, US-30, US-34, and IL-31. 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, upwind Chicago pollution, manufacturing corridor, and rail freight.
Aurora typically sees its worst air quality during summer afternoons when heat and sunlight drive ground-level ozone formation from vehicle and industrial emissions. Morning readings are generally 15–25 points lower than afternoon peaks. Outdoor activity is best planned for early morning on high-ozone days.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Aurora Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Aurora — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46 | 166 | 9 | 165 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 42 | 237 | 1 | 105 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 46 | 178 | 21 | 174 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 42 | 189 | 3 | 129 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 44 | 188 | 1 | 112 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 42 | 204 | 7 | 161 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 42 | 210 | 4 | 112 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 39 | 275 | 5 | 122 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 40 | 275 | 1 | 143 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 36 | 286 | 8 | 140 | Ozone |
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 Aurora Air Quality
What is the air quality in Aurora today?
The current AQI in Aurora is 21, 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 Aurora getting better or worse?
Air quality in Aurora has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 10 points (from 36 in 2016 to 46 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Aurora?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Aurora, responsible for 142 days (52% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Aurora have per year?
In 2025, Aurora recorded 61% good air quality days (166 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 8 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 165.
What air quality grade does Aurora receive?
Aurora 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 166 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 Aurora compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Aurora
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