Washington, D.C., DC
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.
Washington, D.C., DC air quality summary: Washington, DC has a Clean Air Score of 79.4 and a grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean for the area is 6.8 µg/m³. Washington, DC has an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.8 µg/m³, which sits in a moderate long-term range for this dataset. Long-term records show improving air quality in Washington, DC over the available history.
Clean Air Score
Washington, DC has a score of 79.4 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 Washington, DC. Historical data for Washington, DC shows an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.8 µg/m³ and a grade of B.
Indoor Air Quality in Washington, D.C., DC
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 Washington, D.C..
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 Washington, D.C.:
- 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 Washington, D.C. Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Washington, D.C.'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, Washington, D.C.'s air quality improved by 2.4 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 9.6% increase in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in VA
Why Washington, D.C. earned a 79.4
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% | 74.8 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 62 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 94.5 |
| 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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Washington, D.C. Air Quality FAQs
What does the current air quality rating mean for Washington, DC?
Washington, DC currently carries a Clean Air Score of 79.4 and a grade of B. The annual PM2.5 mean of 6.8 provides the key long-term exposure context for that rating.
How often does Washington, DC experience unhealthy air days?
Recent data indicates that about 0% of days in Washington, DC fall into unhealthy air categories. That frequency sits alongside an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.8 and helps explain the current grade of B.
Is the air quality in Washington, DC improving or getting worse over time?
Long-term records show improving air quality in Washington, DC over the available history.
Does air quality vary by neighborhood or ZIP code in Washington, DC?
Yes. Local conditions can vary across different parts of Washington, DC, so ZIP-level or neighborhood detail is useful when comparing specific areas within the city.