Rapid City, SD
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.
Rapid City, SD air quality summary: Rapid City, SD, holds a clean air score of 77.3 and a grade of B. The city features an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.9, reflecting moderate long-term air quality conditions. In Rapid City, the annual PM2.5 mean is 6.9, which is considered a moderate level for long-term exposure. Air quality in Rapid City has been worsening over recent years based on long-term data trends.
Clean Air Score
The clean air score of 77.3 and B grade indicate that Rapid City offers generally favorable air quality for long-term residency. These metrics suggest particulate levels that are acceptable for most individuals over time.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Prospective residents should evaluate air quality in Rapid City as one factor in their long-term housing decisions. The current data reflects a moderate environment for persistent particulate exposure.
Indoor Air Quality in Rapid City, SD
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 Rapid City.
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 Rapid City:
- 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 Rapid City Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Rapid City'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, Rapid City's air quality worsened by 1.1 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 4.4% decrease in relative property value retention.
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Why Rapid City earned a 77.3
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% | 72.2 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 44.5 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 83.9 |
| 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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Rapid City Air Quality FAQs
Is Rapid City a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Rapid City maintains a clean air score of 77.3 and a grade of B, indicating a moderate environment for long-term air quality. Its annual PM2.5 mean of 6.9 is within the acceptable range for most residents.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air or long-term pollution exposure in Rapid City?
Rapid City has an unhealthy-air frequency of 0%, with its B grade reflecting consistent moderate exposure levels. The annual PM2.5 mean is recorded at 6.9.
Is air quality in Rapid City improving or getting worse over time?
Air quality in Rapid City is currently trending as worsening over recent years. This conclusion is based on data with a completeness rate of 98.9%.
Does air quality vary across different parts of Rapid City?
Air quality results for Rapid City can be found in more detail by looking at neighborhood or ZIP-level data. Localized factors such as traffic and industry may cause variations throughout the city.