Tucson, AZ
2021 search intent
Tucson air quality in 2021 — closest EPA context
People searching for Tucson's 2021 air quality want a fast EPA-backed answer. This page does not publish a single "median AQI" number, but it gives the closest available context: annual PM2.5 at 6.5 μg/m³, 0 unhealthy days per year, and the multi-year trend that shows whether 2021 reflected a cleaner or riskier pattern for Tucson.
Tucson, AZ air quality summary: Tucson, AZ has a Clean Air Score of 80.6 and a grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean for the area is 6.5 µg/m³. Tucson has an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.5 µg/m³, which sits in a moderate long-term range for this dataset. Long-term records show worsening air quality in Tucson over the available history.
Clean Air Score
Tucson has a score of 80.6 and a grade of B, which summarize its long-term air quality profile. These annual measures provide a baseline for understanding local conditions over time.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Air quality is one factor to weigh in a broader housing or relocation decision for Tucson. Historical data for Tucson shows an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.5 µg/m³ and a grade of B.
Indoor Air Quality in Tucson, AZ
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 Tucson.
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 Tucson:
- 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 Tucson Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Tucson'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, Tucson's air quality worsened by 2.8 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 11.2% decrease in relative property value retention.
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🏆 Best Neighborhoods in Tucson
We analyzed air quality across multiple zip codes to find the healthiest spots to live. See which neighborhoods ranked #1.
Why Tucson earned a 80.6
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% | 79 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 36 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 90 |
| Extreme Events | 5% | 100 |
Deep Dive: Tucson & Related Data
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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Tucson Air Quality FAQs
What does the current air quality rating mean for Tucson?
Tucson, AZ currently carries a Clean Air Score of 80.6 and a grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean of 6.5 provides the key long-term exposure context for that rating.
How often does Tucson experience unhealthy air days?
Recent data indicates that about 0% of days in Tucson fall into unhealthy air categories. That frequency sits alongside an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.5 and helps explain the current grade of B.
Is the air quality in Tucson improving or getting worse over time?
Long-term records show worsening air quality in Tucson over the available history.
Does air quality vary by neighborhood or ZIP code in Tucson?
Yes. Local conditions can vary across different parts of Tucson, so ZIP-level or neighborhood detail is useful when comparing specific areas within the city.