Washington Heights, New York Air Quality
Washington Heights has a median AQI of 28, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 90% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Washington Heights recorded 228 good air quality days (85% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 2,383 • County: Orange
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 28 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 28 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 90% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| 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 Washington Heights is sourced from the Newburgh monitoring area, located approximately 21 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Washington Heights 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
Washington Heights Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Washington Heights — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 | 228 | 1 | 108 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 28 | 297 | — | 79 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 34 | 270 | 6 | 185 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 37 | 292 | — | 73 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 37 | 294 | 1 | 149 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 38 | 307 | — | 97 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 39 | 307 | — | 74 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 39 | 279 | 1 | 147 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 39 | 305 | — | 84 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 38 | 299 | 1 | 112 | 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 Washington Heights Air Quality
What is the air quality in Washington Heights today?
The current AQI in Washington Heights is 28, 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 Washington Heights getting better or worse?
Air quality in Washington Heights has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 10 points (from 38 in 2016 to 28 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Washington Heights?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Washington Heights, responsible for 267 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Washington Heights have per year?
In 2025, Washington Heights recorded 85% good air quality days (228 days) out of 267 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 108.
What air quality grade does Washington Heights receive?
Washington Heights receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 90% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 28 in 2025, with 228 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 90% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Washington Heights compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Washington Heights
Washington Heights 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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