Cullowhee, North Carolina Air Quality
Cullowhee has a median AQI of 38, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 69% 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 2021, Cullowhee recorded 75 good air quality days (75% of monitored days).
Population: 7,973 • County: Jackson
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 52 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2021) | 38 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 69% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Cullowhee is sourced from the BRYSON monitoring area, located approximately 17 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Cullowhee 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
Cullowhee Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Cullowhee — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 38 | 75 | — | 73 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 32 | 96 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 34 | 85 | — | 66 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 43 | 175 | 1 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 45 | 183 | — | 100 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 48 | 168 | 9 | 155 | Ozone |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2021 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2021)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Cullowhee Air Quality
What is the air quality in Cullowhee today?
The current AQI in Cullowhee is 52, rated "Moderate". Air quality is moderate — unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Is air quality in Cullowhee getting better or worse?
Air quality in Cullowhee has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 10 points (from 48 in 2016 to 38 in 2021), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Cullowhee?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Cullowhee, responsible for 100 days (100% of monitored days) in 2021. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Cullowhee have per year?
In 2021, Cullowhee recorded 75% good air quality days (75 days) out of 100 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 73.
What air quality grade does Cullowhee receive?
Cullowhee receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 69% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 38 in 2021, with 75 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 69% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Cullowhee compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Cullowhee
Cullowhee 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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