Blackduck, Minnesota Air Quality
Blackduck has a median AQI of 37, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 74% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Blackduck recorded 150 good air quality days (89% of monitored days) and 4 unhealthy days.
Population: 699 • County: Beltrami
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 11 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 37 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 74% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 4 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 Blackduck is sourced from the Leech Lake Nation: Cass Lake monitoring area, located approximately 24 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Blackduck 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
Blackduck Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Blackduck — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 37 | 150 | 4 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 36 | 308 | 4 | 177 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 27 | 247 | 6 | 156 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 23 | 318 | — | 65 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 29 | 281 | 9 | 283 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 30 | 318 | — | 76 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 26 | 307 | 2 | 191 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 31 | 309 | 1 | 106 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 27 | 307 | — | 77 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 24 | 331 | — | 75 | 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 Blackduck Air Quality
What is the air quality in Blackduck today?
The current AQI in Blackduck is 11, 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 Blackduck getting better or worse?
Air quality in Blackduck has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 13 points (from 24 in 2016 to 37 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Blackduck?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Blackduck, responsible for 108 days (64% 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 Blackduck have per year?
In 2025, Blackduck recorded 89% good air quality days (150 days) out of 169 monitored days. There were 4 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 108.
What air quality grade does Blackduck receive?
Blackduck receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 74% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 37 in 2025, with 150 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 74% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Blackduck compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Blackduck
Ozone is Blackduck'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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