Merced, 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.
Merced, CA air quality summary: Merced, CA has a Clean Air Score of 67.9, earning it a grade of C. The annual average PM2.5 concentration is 7.5 µg/m³, with 1.1% of days experiencing unhealthy air quality. Air quality in Merced is improving. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, tiny airborne particles 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. Merced's annual mean PM2.5 concentration is 7.5 µg/m³. Air quality in Merced, CA is improving. This positive trend indicates a reduction in air pollution over time, suggesting that efforts to improve air quality are having an effect. Continued monitoring and action are important to maintain and further enhance this improvement.
Clean Air Score
The Clean Air Score for Merced, CA is 67.9, indicating moderate air quality. This score is derived from various factors including PM2.5 levels, unhealthy air days, and data completeness, providing a comprehensive view of the city's air quality.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
For homebuyers or renters evaluating Merced, air quality is best used as one input in a broader decision. The long-term context here is represented by a Clean Air Score of 67.9, a grade of C, and an annual PM2.5 mean of 7.5.
Indoor Air Quality in Merced, 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 Merced.
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 Merced:
- 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.
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Health Advice
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, Merced's air quality improved by 1.9 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 7.6% increase in relative property value retention.
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Why Merced earned a 67.9
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% | 63.9 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 78.1 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 59.5 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 77.6 |
| 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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Merced Air Quality FAQs
Is Merced a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Merced, CA currently carries a Clean Air Score of 67.9 and a grade of C. The annual PM2.5 mean of 7.5 provides the key long-term exposure context for that rating.
How often does Merced experience unhealthy air frequency or long-term pollution exposure?
Recent data indicates that about 1.1% of days in Merced fall into unhealthy air categories. That frequency sits alongside an annual PM2.5 mean of 7.5 and helps explain the current grade of C.
Is the air quality in Merced improving or getting worse over time?
Long-term monitoring suggests that air quality in Merced has improved over recent years. This trend description is based on the historical record rather than short-term day-to-day swings.
Does air quality vary by neighborhood or ZIP code in Merced?
Yes. Local conditions can vary across different parts of Merced, so ZIP-level or neighborhood detail is useful when comparing specific areas within the city.