Elk Plain, Washington Air Quality
Elk Plain has a median AQI of 44, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 31% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Elk Plain recorded 185 good air quality days (76% of monitored days).
Population: 14,276 • County: Pierce
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 25 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 44 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 31% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| 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 Elk Plain is sourced from the Tacoma-L St monitoring area, located approximately 11 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Elk Plain'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
Elk Plain Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Elk Plain — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 44 | 185 | — | 100 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 44 | 265 | 1 | 166 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 42 | 273 | 3 | 195 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 44 | 239 | 11 | 178 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 42 | 269 | — | 94 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 42 | 256 | 11 | 256 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 44 | 234 | 2 | 142 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 44 | 234 | 11 | 188 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 45 | 242 | 13 | 176 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 42 | 269 | 1 | 156 | 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 Elk Plain Air Quality
What is the air quality in Elk Plain today?
The current AQI in Elk Plain is 25, 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 Elk Plain getting better or worse?
Air quality in Elk Plain has been stable. The median AQI has risen 2 points (from 42 in 2016 to 44 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Elk Plain?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Elk Plain, responsible for 150 days (62% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Elk Plain have per year?
In 2025, Elk Plain recorded 76% good air quality days (185 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 100.
What air quality grade does Elk Plain receive?
Elk Plain receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 31% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 44 in 2025, with 185 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 31% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Elk Plain compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Elk Plain
Ozone is Elk Plain's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
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Honeywell HPA300
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