Galveston, Texas Air Quality
Galveston has a median AQI of 48, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 17% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Galveston recorded 132 good air quality days (54% of monitored days) and 6 unhealthy days.
Population: 199,112 • County: Galveston
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 22 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | B+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 48 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 17% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 6 |
| 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 Galveston is sourced from the Houston Deer Park C35 monitoring area, located approximately 32 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Galveston 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
Galveston Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Galveston — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 48 | 132 | 6 | 179 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 44 | 245 | 8 | 159 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 51 | 177 | 21 | 159 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 46 | 236 | 7 | 159 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 43 | 259 | 3 | 122 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 44 | 238 | 3 | 143 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 43 | 247 | 8 | 136 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 34 | 306 | 10 | 202 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 41 | 265 | 6 | 143 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 44 | 256 | 6 | 147 | Ozone |
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 Galveston Air Quality
What is the air quality in Galveston today?
The current AQI in Galveston 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 Galveston getting better or worse?
Air quality in Galveston has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 4 points (from 44 in 2016 to 48 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Galveston?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Galveston, responsible for 126 days (52% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Galveston have per year?
In 2025, Galveston recorded 54% good air quality days (132 days) out of 243 monitored days. There were 4 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 2 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 179.
What air quality grade does Galveston receive?
Galveston receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 17% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 48 in 2025, with 132 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 17% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Galveston compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Galveston
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