Kenly, North Carolina Air Quality
Kenly has a median AQI of 42, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 44% 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, Kenly recorded 209 good air quality days (77% of monitored days).
Population: 2,359 • County: Johnston
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 52 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 42 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 44% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| 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 Kenly is sourced from the JOHNSTON monitoring area, located approximately 18 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Kenly 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
Kenly Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Kenly — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 42 | 209 | — | 84 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 43 | 261 | — | 84 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 44 | 240 | 1 | 115 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 42 | 271 | 1 | 140 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 44 | 240 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 39 | 266 | — | 75 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 46 | 224 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 44 | 228 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 46 | 216 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 44 | 201 | 1 | 107 | 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 Kenly Air Quality
What is the air quality in Kenly today?
The current AQI in Kenly 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 Kenly getting better or worse?
Air quality in Kenly has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 2 points (from 44 in 2016 to 42 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Kenly?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Kenly, responsible for 194 days (71% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Kenly have per year?
In 2025, Kenly recorded 77% good air quality days (209 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 84.
What air quality grade does Kenly receive?
Kenly receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 44% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 42 in 2025, with 209 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 44% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Kenly compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Kenly
Kenly 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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