Berkeley, CA
Long-term air quality
What this page tells you
This page combines annual PM2.5, unhealthy days, 5-year trend, and data coverage so you can compare long-term air quality, not just today's reading.
Berkeley, CA air quality summary: Berkeley, CA, holds a clean air score of 79 and a B grade, with an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.7. This level of particulate matter indicates a stable and generally favorable air quality environment for the community. In Berkeley, the annual PM2.5 mean is 6.7, which is considered moderate or acceptable but still relevant for long-term exposure. Long-term air quality in Berkeley has been stable over recent years.
Clean Air Score
The clean air score of 79 and B grade signify that Berkeley maintains air quality that generally aligns with national standards. These ratings reflect long-term particulate levels that are common for residential areas in this coastal region.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Air quality is a relevant factor to consider as part of any housing or relocation assessment in Berkeley. A B grade suggests that environmental conditions are a stable and positive aspect of the city's living profile.
Indoor Air Quality in Berkeley, CA
Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.
How to react when today's AQI changes
Use the AQI bands below to decide whether to open windows, run an air purifier, or stay indoors when pollution spikes in Berkeley.
AQI 0-50
GoodOpen windows: Open windows if you want fresh air.
Air purifier: No purifier needed for most homes.
Indoor activity: Normal indoor activity is fine.
AQI 51-100
ModerateOpen windows: Sensitive groups should limit open-window time.
Air purifier: Use fans or filtration if dust or pollen is bothering you.
Indoor activity: Most people can stay active indoors.
AQI 101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive GroupsOpen windows: Keep windows closed.
Air purifier: Run a HEPA purifier in the main room and bedroom.
Indoor activity: Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exposure.
AQI 151+
UnhealthyOpen windows: Keep windows and doors closed.
Air purifier: Run HEPA continuously and seal obvious drafts.
Indoor activity: Stay indoors as much as possible; use an N95 if you must go out.
Common indoor air concerns in Berkeley:
- Wildfire smoke infiltration (PM2.5)
- Seasonal pollen and dust mite allergens
- VOCs from household products
Recommended action: If today's AQI reaches 101 or higher, close windows and run HEPA filtration before indoor air starts to feel smoky or stale.
Top Products for Berkeley Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Berkeley's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
Enjoy the outdoors! Air quality is great.
Add Berkeley Air Quality to your site
Perfect for local news, real estate blogs, and community pages.
</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, Berkeley's air quality improved by 0.5 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 2% increase in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in CA
Why Berkeley earned a 79
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
Find the cleanest hours for your run today.
Cycling Forecast
Avoid pollution spikes on your next ride.
📅 Past 30 Days Trend
Real-time daily PM2.5 AQI
🌸 Pollen Outlook
Current Seasonal Forecast
How it worksBased on current seasonal forecast data. Not a long-term pollution rating or relocation score.
Score Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Score Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Air Quality | 40% | 75.2 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 50 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 89.8 |
| Extreme Events | 5% | 100 |
Explore More Air Quality Data
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical air quality mapping and scoring are based completely on official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow API data. 5-day AQI forecasts are provided by WAQI.
Methodology
Our Clean Air Score (0-100) is a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors:
- Annual PM2.5 averages (40%)
- Frequency of unhealthy days (25%)
- 5-year pollution trends (20%)
- Seasonal variability and extreme events (15%)
Updates & Accuracy
Real-time data is updated hourly. Historical aggregate scores are recalculated monthly to reflect the latest trends. While we strive for accuracy, sensor maintenance and local conditions can affect individual readings.
Practical Advice
When AQI > 100: Sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
When AQI > 150: Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise and keep windows closed.
More Cities in CA
Similar Rankings Nationwide
Berkeley Air Quality FAQs
Is Berkeley a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Berkeley holds a clean air score of 79 and a B grade, with an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.7. These metrics suggest a generally favorable environment for individuals focused on long-term air quality factors.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air or long-term pollution exposure in Berkeley?
Berkeley reports 0% unhealthy air days according to available records. This, in conjunction with its B grade and 6.7 PM2.5 mean, indicates that acute pollution spikes are rare in the city.
Is air quality in Berkeley improving or getting worse over time?
Air quality trends in Berkeley are described as neutral or stable over recent years. This indicates that long-term particulate levels have shown limited change during the monitored period.
Does air quality vary across different parts of Berkeley?
Air quality can vary within Berkeley due to local factors such as traffic density along major corridors, industrial activity, and proximity to the bay. While the city-wide grade is positive, residents may notice localized differences based on these factors.