Mountain City, Nevada Air Quality
Mountain City has a median AQI of 19, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 95% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Particulate matter (PM10) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Mountain City recorded 138 good air quality days (91% of monitored days) and 2 unhealthy days.
Population: 16 • County: Elko
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 27 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 19 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 95% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 2 |
| 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 Mountain City is sourced from the Elko monitoring area, located approximately 70 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Mountain City 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
Mountain City Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Mountain City — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 138 | 2 | 160 | PM10 |
| 2024 | 23 | 318 | 1 | 113 | PM10 |
| 2023 | 31 | 318 | — | 74 | PM10 |
| 2022 | 38 | 321 | 2 | 149 | PM10 |
| 2021 | 42 | 282 | 10 | 156 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 30 | 304 | 4 | 169 | PM10 |
| 2019 | 14 | 356 | — | 77 | PM10 |
| 2018 | 19 | 296 | 4 | 126 | PM10 |
| 2017 | 24 | 330 | 1 | 164 | PM10 |
| 2016 | 20 | 340 | 1 | 134 | PM10 |
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 Mountain City Air Quality
What is the air quality in Mountain City today?
The current AQI in Mountain City is 27, 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 Mountain City getting better or worse?
Air quality in Mountain City has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 1 points (from 20 in 2016 to 19 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Mountain City?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in Mountain City, responsible for 151 days (99% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Mountain City have per year?
In 2025, Mountain City recorded 91% good air quality days (138 days) out of 152 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 160.
What air quality grade does Mountain City receive?
Mountain City receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 95% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 19 in 2025, with 138 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 95% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Mountain City compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Mountain City
Mountain City's primary pollutant is PM10 (coarse dust and pollen). Units with a washable pre-filter stage plus True HEPA handle the larger particles that drive most of this area's air quality days.
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