Pawleys Island, South Carolina Air Quality
Pawleys Island has a median AQI of 14, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 97% 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 2019, Pawleys Island recorded 91 good air quality days (99% of monitored days).
Population: 170 • County: Georgetown
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 14 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2019) | 14 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 97% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| 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 Pawleys Island is sourced from the Coastal Carolina monitoring area, located approximately 27 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Pawleys Island 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
Pawleys Island Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Pawleys Island — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 14 | 91 | — | 52 | PM10 |
| 2018 | 15 | 326 | — | 44 | PM10 |
| 2017 | 15 | 303 | — | 63 | PM10 |
| 2016 | 16 | 309 | — | 62 | PM10 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2019 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2019)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawleys Island Air Quality
What is the air quality in Pawleys Island today?
The current AQI in Pawleys Island is 14, 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 Pawleys Island getting better or worse?
Air quality in Pawleys Island has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 2 points (from 16 in 2016 to 14 in 2019).
What is the most common air pollutant in Pawleys Island?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in Pawleys Island, responsible for 92 days (100% of monitored days) in 2019. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Pawleys Island have per year?
In 2019, Pawleys Island recorded 99% good air quality days (91 days) out of 92 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 52.
What air quality grade does Pawleys Island receive?
Pawleys Island receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 97% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 14 in 2019, with 91 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 97% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Pawleys Island compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island'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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