Cleveland, North Carolina Air Quality
Cleveland has a median AQI of 44, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 31% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Cleveland recorded 200 good air quality days (73% of monitored days).
Population: 1,080 • County: Rowan
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 37 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 44 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 31% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 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 Cleveland is sourced from the ROCKWELL monitoring area, located approximately 20 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Cleveland 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
Cleveland Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Cleveland — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 44 | 200 | — | 81 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 44 | 252 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 47 | 210 | 3 | 122 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 46 | 230 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 44 | 244 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 43 | 253 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 44 | 276 | — | 100 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 35 | 322 | — | 74 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 38 | 331 | — | 80 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 37 | 313 | — | 97 | 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 Cleveland Air Quality
What is the air quality in Cleveland today?
The current AQI in Cleveland is 37, 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 Cleveland getting better or worse?
Air quality in Cleveland has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 7 points (from 37 in 2016 to 44 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Cleveland?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Cleveland, responsible for 143 days (52% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Cleveland have per year?
In 2025, Cleveland recorded 73% good air quality days (200 days) out of 273 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 81.
What air quality grade does Cleveland receive?
Cleveland receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 31% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 44 in 2025, with 200 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 31% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Cleveland compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Cleveland
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