Sanford, North Carolina Air Quality
Sanford has a median AQI of 52, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 14% 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 2018, Sanford recorded 95 good air quality days (45% of monitored days).
Population: 31,478 • County: Lee
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 50 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2018) | 52 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 14% |
| 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 Sanford is sourced from the Burdens Creek monitoring area, located approximately 33 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Sanford 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
Sanford Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Sanford — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 52 | 95 | — | 85 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 49 | 193 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 48 | 194 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2018 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2018)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanford Air Quality
What is the air quality in Sanford today?
The current AQI in Sanford is 50, 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 Sanford getting better or worse?
Air quality in Sanford has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 4 points (from 48 in 2016 to 52 in 2018), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Sanford?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Sanford, responsible for 134 days (64% of monitored days) in 2018. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Sanford have per year?
In 2018, Sanford recorded 45% good air quality days (95 days) out of 210 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 85.
What air quality grade does Sanford receive?
Sanford receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 14% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 52 in 2018, with 95 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 14% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 52, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Sanford
National Rankings
See how Sanford compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Sanford
PM2.5 is Sanford's primary pollutant at moderate levels. True HEPA filtration is the most effective defense against fine particles from vehicle exhaust, construction, and regional sources.
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