Greenbelt, Maryland Air Quality
Greenbelt has a median AQI of 41, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 50% 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, Greenbelt recorded 254 good air quality days (84% of monitored days) and 3 unhealthy days.
Population: 24,678 • County: Prince George's
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 21 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 41 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 50% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 3 |
| 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 Greenbelt is sourced from the HU-Beltsville monitoring area, located approximately 4 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Greenbelt 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
Greenbelt Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Greenbelt — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 41 | 254 | 3 | 126 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 39 | 280 | 3 | 129 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 44 | 253 | 11 | 192 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 39 | 313 | 1 | 101 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 41 | 287 | 5 | 129 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 39 | 314 | 1 | 105 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 45 | 234 | 6 | 122 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 42 | 248 | 8 | 166 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 45 | 240 | 6 | 133 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 48 | 199 | 9 | 129 | 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 Greenbelt Air Quality
What is the air quality in Greenbelt today?
The current AQI in Greenbelt 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 Greenbelt getting better or worse?
Air quality in Greenbelt has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 7 points (from 48 in 2016 to 41 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Greenbelt?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Greenbelt, responsible for 254 days (84% 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 Greenbelt have per year?
In 2025, Greenbelt recorded 84% good air quality days (254 days) out of 304 monitored days. There were 3 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 126.
What air quality grade does Greenbelt receive?
Greenbelt receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 50% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 41 in 2025, with 254 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 50% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Greenbelt compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Greenbelt
Greenbelt has a summer ozone problem — hot afternoons push AQI into Moderate or higher as sunlight converts vehicle and industrial emissions into ground-level ozone. Activated carbon and PECO filters chemically neutralize ozone rather than just trapping particles.
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