El Paso, Texas Air Quality
El Paso has a median AQI of 74, earning an air quality grade of D — below-average air quality that ranks better than 2% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM10) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, El Paso recorded 31 good air quality days (13% of monitored days) and 40 unhealthy days.
Population: 866,309 • County: El Paso
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 22 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | D |
| Median AQI (2025) | 74 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 2% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM10 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 40 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 El Paso is sourced from the Chamizal C41 monitoring area, located approximately 6 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM10), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Major roadways in the area include I-10, US-54, US-62, and US-180. 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 cross-border air from Ciudad Juárez, vehicle traffic, dust storms, military operations (Fort Bliss), and industrial Juárez.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
El Paso Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for El Paso — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 74 | 31 | 58 | 2122 | PM10 |
| 2024 | 67 | 81 | 63 | 431 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 64 | 69 | 19 | 155 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 59 | 72 | 20 | 163 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 59 | 91 | 19 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 59 | 95 | 19 | 192 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 57 | 100 | 13 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 59 | 91 | 17 | 164 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 56 | 120 | 23 | 162 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 55 | 123 | 6 | 147 | 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 El Paso Air Quality
What is the air quality in El Paso today?
The current AQI in El Paso 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.
Is air quality in El Paso getting better or worse?
Air quality in El Paso has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 19 points (from 55 in 2016 to 74 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in El Paso?
PM10 is the primary air pollutant in El Paso, responsible for 114 days (47% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does El Paso have per year?
In 2025, El Paso recorded 13% good air quality days (31 days) out of 244 monitored days. There were 28 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 12 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The most severe category (Very Unhealthy or Hazardous) occurred on 18 days. The highest single-day AQI recorded was 2122.
What air quality grade does El Paso receive?
El Paso receives an air quality grade of D, placing it better than 2% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 74 in 2025, with 31 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 2% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 74, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in El Paso
National Rankings
See how El Paso compares to every other US city by air quality.
Most Polluted Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for El Paso
El Paso'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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