Sugar Creek, Missouri Air Quality
Sugar Creek has a median AQI of 43, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 39% 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, Sugar Creek recorded 91 good air quality days (60% of monitored days).
Population: 3,249 • County: Jackson
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 21 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 43 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 39% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| 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 Sugar Creek is sourced from the Front Street monitoring area, located approximately 7 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Sugar Creek 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
Sugar Creek Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Sugar Creek — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 43 | 91 | 1 | 293 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 46 | 213 | 1 | 109 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 171 | 2 | 155 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 52 | 160 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 53 | 132 | 5 | 147 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 51 | 175 | 3 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 49 | 192 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 44 | 223 | — | 77 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 52 | 173 | — | 98 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 47 | 213 | 1 | 105 | 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 Sugar Creek Air Quality
What is the air quality in Sugar Creek today?
The current AQI in Sugar Creek 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 Sugar Creek getting better or worse?
Air quality in Sugar Creek has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 4 points (from 47 in 2016 to 43 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Sugar Creek?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Sugar Creek, responsible for 96 days (64% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Sugar Creek have per year?
In 2025, Sugar Creek recorded 60% good air quality days (91 days) out of 151 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The most severe category (Very Unhealthy or Hazardous) occurred on 1 day. The highest single-day AQI recorded was 293.
What air quality grade does Sugar Creek receive?
Sugar Creek receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 39% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 43 in 2025, with 91 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 39% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Sugar Creek compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Sugar Creek
Sugar Creek 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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