Malta, Montana Air Quality
Malta has a median AQI of 18, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 96% 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, Malta recorded 161 good air quality days (94% of monitored days) and 2 unhealthy days.
Population: 2,100 • County: Phillips
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 6 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 18 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 96% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 2 |
| 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 Malta is sourced from the Havre monitoring area, located approximately 84 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Malta 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
Malta Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Malta — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | 161 | 2 | 168 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 21 | 323 | 2 | 147 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 38 | 289 | 11 | 199 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 36 | 344 | — | 89 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 36 | 292 | 5 | 146 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 36 | 296 | 2 | 140 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 34 | 342 | — | 71 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 37 | 309 | 4 | 160 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 34 | 316 | 3 | 113 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 34 | 348 | — | 95 | Ozone |
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 Malta Air Quality
What is the air quality in Malta today?
The current AQI in Malta is 6, 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 Malta getting better or worse?
Air quality in Malta has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 16 points (from 34 in 2016 to 18 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Malta?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Malta, responsible for 171 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Malta have per year?
In 2025, Malta recorded 94% good air quality days (161 days) out of 171 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 168.
What air quality grade does Malta receive?
Malta receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 96% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 18 in 2025, with 161 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 96% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Malta compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Malta
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