Nashville, Tennessee Air Quality
Nashville has a median AQI of 50, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 13% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Nashville recorded 142 good air quality days (52% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 1,201,962 • County: Davidson
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 50 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 13% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| 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 Nashville is sourced from the HVILLE monitoring area, located approximately 11 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Major roadways in the area include I-40, I-65, I-24, I-440, and US-431. 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 vehicle traffic, construction dust (fast growth), power plants, industrial east Nashville, and summer ozone formation.
Nashville 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
Nashville Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Nashville — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 50 | 142 | 1 | 136 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 50 | 189 | 6 | 122 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 53 | 136 | 4 | 133 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 51 | 169 | 2 | 143 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 52 | 152 | 4 | 116 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 50 | 190 | 2 | 116 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 151 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 52 | 164 | 5 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 53 | 161 | 1 | 133 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 53 | 148 | 5 | 126 | 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 Nashville Air Quality
What is the air quality in Nashville today?
The current AQI in Nashville is 20, 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 Nashville getting better or worse?
Air quality in Nashville has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 3 points (from 53 in 2016 to 50 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Nashville?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Nashville, responsible for 164 days (60% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Nashville have per year?
In 2025, Nashville recorded 52% good air quality days (142 days) out of 274 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 136.
What air quality grade does Nashville receive?
Nashville receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 13% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 50 in 2025, with 142 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 13% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Nashville compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Nashville
Nashville 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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