Highlands, North Carolina Air Quality
Highlands has a median AQI of 34, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 84% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Highlands recorded 215 good air quality days (95% of monitored days).
Population: 1,074 • County: Macon
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 52 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 34 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 84% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| 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 Highlands is sourced from the BRYSON monitoring area, located approximately 30 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Highlands 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
Highlands Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Highlands — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | 215 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 34 | 348 | — | 71 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 34 | 342 | — | 93 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 31 | 349 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 30 | 347 | — | 67 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 29 | 358 | — | 64 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 33 | 343 | — | 87 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 31 | 340 | — | 93 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 33 | 335 | — | 74 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 35 | 321 | 1 | 101 | 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 Highlands Air Quality
What is the air quality in Highlands today?
The current AQI in Highlands 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 Highlands getting better or worse?
Air quality in Highlands has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 1 points (from 35 in 2016 to 34 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Highlands?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Highlands, responsible for 227 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Highlands have per year?
In 2025, Highlands recorded 95% good air quality days (215 days) out of 227 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 Highlands receive?
Highlands receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 84% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 34 in 2025, with 215 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 84% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Highlands
National Rankings
See how Highlands compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Highlands
Highlands has a summer ozone problem — hot afternoons push AQI into Moderate or higher as sunlight converts vehicle and industrial emissions into ground-level ozone. Activated carbon and PECO filters chemically neutralize ozone rather than just trapping particles.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
- ✓Good room size match
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓High performance
We may earn a commission from purchases
Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
RabbitAir MinusA2
Stylish wall-mountable design with customizable artwork panels.
Not sure which air purifier is right for you?
Learn more about different types of air purifiers and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Read our complete buying guide →