Richmond, Kentucky Air Quality
Richmond has a median AQI of 39, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 67% 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 2017, Richmond recorded 84 good air quality days (74% of monitored days).
Population: 37,111 • County: Madison
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 10 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2017) | 39 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 67% |
| 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 Richmond is sourced from the NICHVILL monitoring area, located approximately 20 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Richmond has relatively consistent air quality throughout the year without a strong seasonal peak. Air quality is primarily influenced by local traffic, industrial activity, and regional weather patterns rather than a single seasonal driver.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Richmond Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Richmond — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 39 | 84 | — | 73 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 39 | 68 | — | 91 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2017 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2017)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Air Quality
What is the air quality in Richmond today?
The current AQI in Richmond is 10, 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 Richmond getting better or worse?
Air quality in Richmond has been stable. The median AQI has remained stable at around 39 over the past decade.
What is the most common air pollutant in Richmond?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Richmond, responsible for 113 days (100% of monitored days) in 2017. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Richmond have per year?
In 2017, Richmond recorded 74% good air quality days (84 days) out of 113 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 73.
What air quality grade does Richmond receive?
Richmond receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 67% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 39 in 2017, with 84 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 67% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Richmond compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Richmond
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