Des Moines, WA
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.
Des Moines, WA air quality summary: Des Moines, WA, holds a clean air score of 78.5 and a grade of B, indicating a generally healthy atmosphere for its residents. The city's annual PM2.5 mean is 6.9 µg/m³, which is within favorable ranges. In Des Moines, the annual PM2.5 mean is 6.9 µg/m³, representing a relatively low level of long-term particulate exposure. The long-term air quality in Des Moines has been improving over recent years.
Clean Air Score
A grade of B and a score of 78.5 suggest that Des Moines maintains good standards for air clarity over time. These ratings reflect an environment with relatively low long-term pollution impact on residents.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Prospective residents of Des Moines should view the B grade as a positive indicator of the local atmospheric conditions. Air quality is a stable and favorable factor for those planning to stay long-term.
Indoor Air Quality in Des Moines, WA
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 Des Moines.
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 Des Moines:
- 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 Des Moines Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Des Moines's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2020 and 2024, Des Moines's air quality improved by 4.4 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 15% increase in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in WA
Why Des Moines earned a 78.5
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% | 73.2 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 72 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 92.6 |
| 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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Des Moines Air Quality FAQs
Is Des Moines a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Des Moines is a great choice for those prioritizing air quality, with its clean air score of 78.5 and grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean of 6.9 µg/m³ supports a healthy long-term environment.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air or long-term pollution exposure in Des Moines?
Des Moines reports an unhealthy days percentage of 0, which is an excellent result for its grade. This indicates that exposure to dangerous levels of pollution is extremely rare.
Is air quality in Des Moines improving or getting worse over time?
The air quality trend in Des Moines is currently improving, providing further confidence for the city's future environmental health.
Does air quality vary across different parts of Des Moines?
Air quality can vary within Des Moines due to local traffic, industry, and location patterns, even though the overall city grade provides a consistent baseline.