US Cities with Worst Air Quality Overall

Cities with the most polluted air based on 2025 EPA monitoring data. These communities face the greatest health risks from air pollution.

Health Impact

40.9M
People in highly polluted areas
8
Avg unhealthy days per city
2122
Highest AQI recorded
Showing 1–3 of 3 cities
  1. #1

    New York, NY

    Population: 19,268,388Monitored: 317 days
    A-
    Median: 44
    Good:209
    Moderate:102
    Sensitive:5
    Unhealthy:1
    Very Unhealthy:
    Hazardous:
  2. #2

    Manhattan, NY

    Population: 1,694,263Monitored: 316 days
    A-
    Median: 43
    Good:210
    Moderate:100
    Sensitive:6
    Unhealthy:
    Very Unhealthy:
    Hazardous:
  3. #3

    Staten Island, NY

    Population: 495,747Monitored: 316 days
    A-
    Median: 41
    Good:238
    Moderate:75
    Sensitive:3
    Unhealthy:
    Very Unhealthy:
    Hazardous:

Protect Your Health from Air Pollution

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