Elmo, Montana Air Quality
Elmo has a median AQI of 4, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 100% 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, Elmo recorded 20 good air quality days (100% of monitored days).
Population: 290 • County: Lake
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 16 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 4 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 100% |
| 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 Elmo is sourced from the Columbia Falls monitoring area, located approximately 38 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Elmo's air quality, with regional fires capable of pushing AQI from Good to Unhealthy within hours during fire season (typically July through October). On smoke-impacted days, staying indoors with windows closed and running an air purifier with a HEPA filter is the most effective protection.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Elmo Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Elmo — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 20 | — | 9 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 9 | 108 | — | 77 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 13 | 101 | 2 | 157 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 11 | 93 | 1 | 120 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 9 | 105 | 3 | 152 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 7 | 111 | 3 | 183 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 10 | 92 | — | 53 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 11 | 107 | 3 | 117 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 9 | 99 | 2 | 195 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 8 | 117 | 1 | 130 | 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 Elmo Air Quality
What is the air quality in Elmo today?
The current AQI in Elmo is 16, 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 Elmo getting better or worse?
Air quality in Elmo has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 4 points (from 8 in 2016 to 4 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Elmo?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Elmo, responsible for 20 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Elmo have per year?
In 2025, Elmo recorded 100% good air quality days (20 days) out of 20 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 9.
What air quality grade does Elmo receive?
Elmo receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 100% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 4 in 2025, with 20 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 100% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Elmo compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Elmo
Elmo faces elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke in addition to year-round traffic and industrial sources. We prioritize True HEPA units with high smoke CADR — essential for rapid air cleaning during smoke events.
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