Davidson, North Carolina Air Quality
Davidson has a median AQI of 51, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 11% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Davidson recorded 150 good air quality days (49% of monitored days).
Population: 15,660 • County: Mecklenburg
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 32 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 51 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 11% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| 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 Davidson is sourced from the Friendship Park monitoring area, located approximately 14 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Davidson 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
Davidson Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Davidson — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 51 | 150 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 51 | 169 | 4 | 156 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 51 | 174 | 6 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 50 | 190 | 2 | 119 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 49 | 188 | 2 | 128 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 46 | 213 | 2 | 112 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 161 | 10 | 136 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 51 | 173 | 5 | 108 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 53 | 148 | 3 | 115 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 50 | 185 | 7 | 155 | 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 Davidson Air Quality
What is the air quality in Davidson today?
The current AQI in Davidson is 32, 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 Davidson getting better or worse?
Air quality in Davidson has been stable. The median AQI has risen 1 points (from 50 in 2016 to 51 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Davidson?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Davidson, responsible for 200 days (66% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Davidson have per year?
In 2025, Davidson recorded 49% good air quality days (150 days) out of 305 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 97.
What air quality grade does Davidson receive?
Davidson receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 11% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 51 in 2025, with 150 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 11% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 51, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Davidson
National Rankings
See how Davidson compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Davidson
Davidson 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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Other Great Options
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
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Winix 5500-2
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