East Chicago, Indiana Air Quality
East Chicago has a median AQI of 53, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 8% 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, East Chicago recorded 106 good air quality days (39% of monitored days) and 14 unhealthy days.
Population: 26,022 • County: Lake
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 29 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 53 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 8% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 14 |
| 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 East Chicago is sourced from the East Chicago - Marina monitoring area, located approximately 1 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
East Chicago 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
East Chicago Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for East Chicago — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 53 | 106 | 15 | 219 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 52 | 162 | 5 | 166 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 55 | 125 | 18 | 215 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 52 | 152 | 5 | 143 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 54 | 134 | 6 | 175 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 52 | 161 | 6 | 136 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 151 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 54 | 139 | 6 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 49 | 203 | 5 | 173 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 51 | 183 | 6 | 242 | 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 East Chicago Air Quality
What is the air quality in East Chicago today?
The current AQI in East Chicago is 29, 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 East Chicago getting better or worse?
Air quality in East Chicago has been stable. The median AQI has risen 2 points (from 51 in 2016 to 53 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in East Chicago?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in East Chicago, responsible for 200 days (73% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does East Chicago have per year?
In 2025, East Chicago recorded 39% good air quality days (106 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 11 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 3 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The most severe category (Very Unhealthy or Hazardous) occurred on 1 day. The highest single-day AQI recorded was 219.
What air quality grade does East Chicago receive?
East Chicago receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 8% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 53 in 2025, with 106 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 8% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 53, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in East Chicago
National Rankings
See how East Chicago compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for East Chicago
East Chicago 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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