Wilkes-Barre, PA
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.
Wilkes-Barre, PA air quality summary: Wilkes-Barre, PA, has a clean air score of 78.4 and a grade of B. The city reports an annual PM2.5 mean of 6.9 micrograms per cubic meter. The annual PM2.5 mean for Wilkes-Barre is 6.9, which represents moderate but acceptable long-term particulate exposure. Long-term air quality in Wilkes-Barre has been worsening over recent years.
Clean Air Score
A clean air score of 78.4 and a B grade reflect solid long-term air quality. These levels are generally considered safe for long-term residential exposure in a mid-sized city environment.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Air quality in Wilkes-Barre should be considered as a positive factor in long-term housing evaluations. The B grade suggests a reliable environment for most residents.
Indoor Air Quality in Wilkes-Barre, PA
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 Wilkes-Barre.
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 Wilkes-Barre:
- 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 Wilkes-Barre Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Wilkes-Barre'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, Wilkes-Barre's air quality worsened by 0.7 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 2.8% decrease in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in PA
Why Wilkes-Barre earned a 78.4
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
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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% | 72.7 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 100 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 46.5 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 93.7 |
| 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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Wilkes-Barre Air Quality FAQs
Is Wilkes-Barre a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Wilkes-Barre is a suitable option for air-quality-conscious individuals, with a score of 78.4 and a B grade. The annual PM2.5 mean of 6.9 reflects a healthy environment for residency.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air exposure in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre reports a 0% frequency of unhealthy air days, consistent with its B grade. This indicates that residents rarely experience spikes in particulate pollution.
Is air quality in Wilkes-Barre improving or getting worse over time?
Air quality in Wilkes-Barre has been on a worsening trend over recent years. This suggests that local particulate levels have seen a slight increase in the recent monitoring period.
Does air quality vary across different parts of Wilkes-Barre?
Air quality can vary within the city due to local traffic, industry, and location patterns. Localized particulate levels may differ based on proximity to transit corridors or industrial areas.