Benton City, Washington Air Quality
Benton City has a median AQI of 35, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 82% 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, Benton City recorded 216 good air quality days (89% of monitored days).
Population: 3,695 • County: Benton
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 23 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 35 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 82% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| 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 Benton City is sourced from the Prosser-Highland Dr monitoring area, located approximately 14 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Benton City's air quality, with regional fires capable of pushing AQI from Good to Unhealthy within hours during fire season (typically July through October). On smoke-impacted days, staying indoors with windows closed and running an air purifier with a HEPA filter is the most effective protection.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Benton City Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Benton City — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 35 | 216 | — | 68 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 34 | 299 | 3 | 126 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 41 | 262 | 4 | 261 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 38 | 278 | 3 | 151 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 36 | 283 | 9 | 180 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 35 | 284 | 12 | 954 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 39 | 273 | — | 80 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 36 | 275 | 14 | 188 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 39 | 242 | 14 | 204 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 35 | 307 | 2 | 122 | 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 Benton City Air Quality
What is the air quality in Benton City today?
The current AQI in Benton City is 23, 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 Benton City getting better or worse?
Air quality in Benton City has been stable. The median AQI has remained stable at around 35 over the past decade.
What is the most common air pollutant in Benton City?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Benton City, responsible for 108 days (44% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Benton City have per year?
In 2025, Benton City recorded 89% good air quality days (216 days) out of 243 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 68.
What air quality grade does Benton City receive?
Benton City receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 82% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 35 in 2025, with 216 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 82% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Benton City compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Benton City
Benton City faces elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke in addition to year-round traffic and industrial sources. We prioritize True HEPA units with high smoke CADR — essential for rapid air cleaning during smoke events.
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