Colton, Washington Air Quality
Colton has a median AQI of 20, earning an air quality grade of A+ — excellent air quality that ranks better than 94% 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, Colton recorded 228 good air quality days (94% of monitored days).
Population: 323 • County: Whitman
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 61 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A+ |
| Median AQI (2025) | 20 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 94% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Colton is sourced from the Clarkston-13th St monitoring area, located approximately 10 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 Colton'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
Colton Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Colton — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 20 | 228 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 20 | 310 | — | 97 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 26 | 323 | 2 | 326 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 24 | 306 | 4 | 190 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 22 | 310 | 10 | 218 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 19 | 335 | 8 | 237 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 24 | 324 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 22 | 303 | 7 | 187 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 24 | 299 | 10 | 210 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 23 | 344 | — | 86 | 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 Colton Air Quality
What is the air quality in Colton today?
The current AQI in Colton is 61, rated "Moderate". Air quality is moderate — unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Is air quality in Colton getting better or worse?
Air quality in Colton has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 3 points (from 23 in 2016 to 20 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Colton?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Colton, responsible for 243 days (100% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Colton have per year?
In 2025, Colton recorded 94% good air quality days (228 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 97.
What air quality grade does Colton receive?
Colton receives an air quality grade of A+, placing it better than 94% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 20 in 2025, with 228 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 94% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Colton
National Rankings
See how Colton compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Colton
Colton 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.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
- ✓Good room size match
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓High performance
We may earn a commission from purchases
Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
Best overall value for medium rooms. Excellent performance at an affordable price.
Not sure which air purifier is right for you?
Learn more about different types of air purifiers and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Read our complete buying guide →