Sonora, Kentucky Air Quality
Sonora has a median AQI of 44, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 31% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Sonora recorded 92 good air quality days (72% of monitored days).
Population: 653 • County: Hardin
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 7 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 44 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 31% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| 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 Sonora is sourced from the Freeman Lake monitoring area, located approximately 13 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Sonora 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
Sonora Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Sonora — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 44 | 92 | — | 73 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 41 | 129 | — | 67 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 45 | 225 | 4 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 44 | 242 | — | 86 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 43 | 238 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 43 | 268 | — | 80 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 44 | 261 | — | 72 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 49 | 191 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 51 | 178 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 52 | 152 | 1 | 101 | 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 Sonora Air Quality
What is the air quality in Sonora today?
The current AQI in Sonora is 7, 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 Sonora getting better or worse?
Air quality in Sonora has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 8 points (from 52 in 2016 to 44 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Sonora?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Sonora, responsible for 75 days (59% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Sonora have per year?
In 2025, Sonora recorded 72% good air quality days (92 days) out of 127 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 Sonora receive?
Sonora receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 31% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 44 in 2025, with 92 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 31% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Sonora compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Sonora
Ozone is Sonora's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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Molekule Air Pro
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