Gaffney, South Carolina Air Quality
Gaffney has a median AQI of 41, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 56% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2016, Gaffney recorded 148 good air quality days (86% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 12,596 • County: Cherokee
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 22 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2016) | 41 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 56% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 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 Gaffney is sourced from the TK Gregg monitoring area, located approximately 17 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Gaffney 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
Gaffney Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Gaffney — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 41 | 148 | 1 | 101 | Ozone |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2016 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2016)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaffney Air Quality
What is the air quality in Gaffney today?
The current AQI in Gaffney is 22, 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.
What is the most common air pollutant in Gaffney?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Gaffney, responsible for 172 days (100% of monitored days) in 2016. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Gaffney have per year?
In 2016, Gaffney recorded 86% good air quality days (148 days) out of 172 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 101.
What air quality grade does Gaffney receive?
Gaffney receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 56% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 41 in 2016, with 148 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 56% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Gaffney compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Gaffney
Ozone is Gaffney's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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