Buena, Washington Air Quality
Buena has a median AQI of 34, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 84% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Buena recorded 197 good air quality days (81% of monitored days).
Population: 791 • County: Yakima
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 33 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 34 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 84% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| 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 Buena is sourced from the Toppenish-Yakama Tribe monitoring area, located approximately 3 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 Buena'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
Buena Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Buena — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | 197 | — | 87 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 37 | 248 | 7 | 153 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 46 | 203 | 4 | 233 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 51 | 178 | 6 | 158 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 52 | 175 | 27 | 210 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 46 | 198 | 15 | 743 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 51 | 178 | 10 | 127 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 52 | 173 | 16 | 239 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 48 | 193 | 29 | 317 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 44 | 211 | 12 | 199 | 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 Buena Air Quality
What is the air quality in Buena today?
The current AQI in Buena is 33, 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 Buena getting better or worse?
Air quality in Buena has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 10 points (from 44 in 2016 to 34 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Buena?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Buena, responsible for 211 days (87% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Buena have per year?
In 2025, Buena recorded 81% good air quality days (197 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 87.
What air quality grade does Buena receive?
Buena receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 84% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 34 in 2025, with 197 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 84% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Buena compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Buena
Buena 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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