Chicago Loop vs Near North Side
Reading the difference
Both cities have the same historical Clean Air Score. Compare the individual pollution metrics and reporting periods below.
Chicago Loop, IL
Grade BNear North Side, IL
Grade BThe history behind the comparison.
Chicago Loop
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
Regional reference: Des Plaines (16.5 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Chicago Loop.
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 10.4 |
| 2020 | 8.4 |
| 2021 | 9.4 |
| 2022 | 8.1 |
| 2023 | 10.9 |
| 2024 | 7.2 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Near North Side
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
Regional reference: Des Plaines (15.8 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Near North Side.
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 10.4 |
| 2020 | 8.4 |
| 2021 | 9.4 |
| 2022 | 8.1 |
| 2023 | 10.9 |
| 2024 | 7.2 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Chicago Loop vs Near North Side - Common Questions
Is Near North Side or Chicago Loop better for air quality?
Both cities have the same historical Clean Air Score. Compare the individual pollution metrics and reporting periods below.
What is the difference in PM2.5 levels between Chicago Loop and Near North Side?
The stored annual PM2.5 values are 7.2 μg/m³ for Chicago Loop and 7.2 μg/m³ for Near North Side. Check the historical year labels and any regional-reference notes before comparing.
Does this score measure today’s air?
No. This comparison uses stored historical records. Open each city report to see available current observations, their timestamps and source. Historical scores are not medical assessments.
Can I use this comparison to choose where to live?
It can help compare one environmental factor. It does not predict property values, healthcare costs or personal outcomes. Consider local conditions, data coverage and your other priorities as well.
Compare Other Cities
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical scores use stored EPA-derived city records. Current observations are requested separately and may use monitoring or modelled regional data. Inspect each report’s source and reporting period.
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
Historical year labels describe the available observations, not the site edition year. Some locations inherit a nearby city’s historical score and are labelled as regional references. Current readings may be unavailable or delayed.
Read the full method
Explore the scoring formula, coverage limitations and data sources. A historical score is not today’s AQI or a personal medical assessment.