DeKalb, IL
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.
DeKalb, IL air quality summary: DeKalb, IL, maintains a clean air score of 75.7 and a grade of B, indicating a generally healthy atmosphere for its residents. The city records an annual PM2.5 mean of 7.4 µg/m³, which is within moderate ranges. In DeKalb, the annual PM2.5 mean is 7.4 µg/m³, representing a relatively low level of long-term particulate exposure. The long-term air quality in DeKalb has been improving over recent years.
Clean Air Score
A score of 75.7 and a grade of B suggest that DeKalb enjoys good air quality over the long term. These metrics reflect a consistent environment where pollution levels are typically well-managed.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Prospective residents of DeKalb should view the B grade as a positive indicator of the area's environmental health. Air quality is a stable and reliable factor for long-term health in this community.
Indoor Air Quality in DeKalb, IL
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 DeKalb.
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 DeKalb:
- 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 DeKalb Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how DeKalb's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
Enjoy the outdoors! Air quality is great.
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, DeKalb's air quality improved by 3 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 12% increase in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in IL
Why DeKalb earned a 75.7
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
Find the cleanest hours for your run today.
Cycling Forecast
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📅 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% | 65.9 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 65 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 93.5 |
| 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.
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DeKalb Air Quality FAQs
Is DeKalb a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
DeKalb is a solid choice for those concerned with air quality, with a clean air score of 75.7 and a grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean of 7.4 µg/m³ supports a healthy long-term atmosphere.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air or long-term pollution exposure in DeKalb?
DeKalb reports an unhealthy days percentage of 0, which is an excellent result for its grade. This indicates that residents are rarely exposed to significant pollution spikes.
Is air quality in DeKalb improving or getting worse over time?
The air quality trend in DeKalb is currently improving, providing further confidence for the city's future environmental health.
Does air quality vary across different parts of DeKalb?
Air quality can vary within DeKalb due to local traffic, industry, and location patterns, even though the overall city grade provides a consistent baseline.