Memphis, Tennessee Air Quality
Memphis has a median AQI of 45, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 27% 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 2025, Memphis recorded 117 good air quality days (64% of monitored days).
Population: 1,037,125 • County: Shelby
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 10 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 45 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 27% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| 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 Memphis is sourced from the SHELBY FARMS monitoring area, located approximately 7 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Major roadways in the area include I-40, I-55, I-240, I-269, and US-72. Heavy vehicle traffic on these corridors is a primary source of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Key local pollution sources include freight hub (FedEx World Hub), vehicle traffic, Mississippi River barge traffic, power plants, and upwind Arkansas industrial.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Memphis Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Memphis — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45 | 117 | — | 90 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 55 | 126 | 9 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 155 | 9 | 140 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 46 | 224 | 10 | 159 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 48 | 209 | 4 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 52 | 158 | 1 | 153 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 152 | 4 | 148 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 46 | 223 | 8 | 133 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 46 | 215 | 4 | 161 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 47 | 214 | 6 | 136 | PM2.5 |
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 Memphis Air Quality
What is the air quality in Memphis today?
The current AQI in Memphis is 10, 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 Memphis getting better or worse?
Air quality in Memphis has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 2 points (from 47 in 2016 to 45 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Memphis?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Memphis, responsible for 103 days (57% of monitored days) in 2025. 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 Memphis have per year?
In 2025, Memphis recorded 64% good air quality days (117 days) out of 182 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 90.
What air quality grade does Memphis receive?
Memphis receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 27% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 45 in 2025, with 117 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 27% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Memphis
National Rankings
See how Memphis compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Memphis
Ozone is Memphis'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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