Baton Rouge, Louisiana Air Quality
Baton Rouge has a median AQI of 51, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 11% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Baton Rouge recorded 135 good air quality days (49% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 654,357 • County: East Baton Rouge
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 51 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 11% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 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 Baton Rouge is sourced from the Capitol 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-10, I-12, I-110, US-61, and US-190. 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 ExxonMobil refinery (largest US refinery), BASF and Dow chemical plants, vehicle traffic, Mississippi River barge traffic, and petrochemical corridor.
Baton Rouge 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
Baton Rouge Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Baton Rouge — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 51 | 135 | 1 | 115 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 51 | 179 | 7 | 154 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 149 | 8 | 147 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 48 | 205 | 3 | 141 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 47 | 217 | 3 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 45 | 236 | 3 | 119 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 50 | 190 | 2 | 108 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 51 | 170 | 11 | 126 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 52 | 150 | 6 | 126 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 55 | 84 | 5 | 146 | 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 Baton Rouge Air Quality
What is the air quality in Baton Rouge today?
The current AQI in Baton Rouge is 20, 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 Baton Rouge getting better or worse?
Air quality in Baton Rouge has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 4 points (from 55 in 2016 to 51 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Baton Rouge?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Baton Rouge, responsible for 184 days (67% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Baton Rouge have per year?
In 2025, Baton Rouge recorded 49% good air quality days (135 days) out of 274 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 115.
What air quality grade does Baton Rouge receive?
Baton Rouge receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 11% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 51 in 2025, with 135 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 11% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 51, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Baton Rouge
National Rankings
See how Baton Rouge compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge 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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