Sauk Centre, Minnesota Air Quality
Sauk Centre has a median AQI of 36, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 79% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Sauk Centre recorded 148 good air quality days (86% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 4,621 • County: Stearns
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 36 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 79% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 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 Sauk Centre is sourced from the St. Cloud monitoring area, located approximately 42 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Sauk Centre 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
Sauk Centre Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Sauk Centre — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36 | 148 | 1 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 39 | 282 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 48 | 199 | 14 | 184 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 39 | 204 | — | 78 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 40 | 261 | 6 | 252 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 36 | 309 | — | 80 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 34 | 290 | — | 94 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 38 | 283 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 37 | 294 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 33 | 318 | — | 97 | 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 Sauk Centre Air Quality
What is the air quality in Sauk Centre today?
The current AQI in Sauk Centre 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 Sauk Centre getting better or worse?
Air quality in Sauk Centre has been stable. The median AQI has risen 3 points (from 33 in 2016 to 36 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Sauk Centre?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Sauk Centre, responsible for 118 days (69% 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 Sauk Centre have per year?
In 2025, Sauk Centre recorded 86% good air quality days (148 days) out of 172 monitored days. There were 1 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 Sauk Centre receive?
Sauk Centre receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 79% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 36 in 2025, with 148 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 79% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Sauk Centre
National Rankings
See how Sauk Centre compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Sauk Centre
Ozone is Sauk Centre'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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