North Caldwell, New Jersey Air Quality
North Caldwell has a median AQI of 44, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 35% 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 2022, North Caldwell recorded 177 good air quality days (66% of monitored days).
Population: 6,656 • County: Essex
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 26 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2022) | 44 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 35% |
| 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 North Caldwell is sourced from the Paterson monitoring area, located approximately 6 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
North Caldwell 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
North Caldwell Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for North Caldwell — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 44 | 177 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 46 | 214 | 3 | 125 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 44 | 226 | 1 | 127 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 47 | 206 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 43 | 219 | 4 | 177 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 44 | 223 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 46 | 217 | 3 | 136 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2022 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2022)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About North Caldwell Air Quality
What is the air quality in North Caldwell today?
The current AQI in North Caldwell is 26, 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 North Caldwell getting better or worse?
Air quality in North Caldwell has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 2 points (from 46 in 2016 to 44 in 2022).
What is the most common air pollutant in North Caldwell?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in North Caldwell, responsible for 127 days (47% of monitored days) in 2022. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does North Caldwell have per year?
In 2022, North Caldwell recorded 66% good air quality days (177 days) out of 269 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 North Caldwell receive?
North Caldwell receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 35% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 44 in 2022, with 177 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 35% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how North Caldwell compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for North Caldwell
North Caldwell 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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