Dallas vs Houston
Reading the difference
Dallas scores 9.3 points higher on the historical 0–100 scale. This is a score difference, not a percentage reduction in pollution or a reading of today’s air.
Dallas, TX
Grade CHouston, TX
Grade DThe history behind the comparison.
Dallas
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 9.2 |
| 2020 | 8.3 |
| 2021 | 8.3 |
| 2022 | 9.1 |
| 2023 | 10.3 |
| 2024 | 10.2 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Houston
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 10.1 |
| 2020 | 10.2 |
| 2021 | 10.5 |
| 2022 | 10.2 |
| 2023 | 11.2 |
| 2024 | 11.1 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗🛒Recommended: Air Purifier Recommendations: Dallas & Houston
Comparing indoor air management between Dallas and Houston. If either location faces seasonal wildfire smoke, winter stagnation, or highway PM2.5, a certified True HEPA purifier provides baseline protection.
Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier
Compact, ultra-quiet (<24dB), budget-friendly replacement filters.
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Wirecutter top pick: high airflow, eco mode, washable pre-filter.
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Extra carbon filtration for wildfire smoke and VOCs, smart app enabled.
Check price on AmazonCoway Airmega 400 True HEPA Air Purifier
Dual-suction Max2 filter for high smoke/pollen exposure in open spaces.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Clean Air Data earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase. This does not affect our air quality data or recommendations.
Dallas vs Houston - Common Questions
Is Dallas or Houston better for air quality?
Dallas scores 9.3 points higher on the historical 0–100 scale. This is a score difference, not a percentage reduction in pollution or a reading of today’s air.
What is the difference in PM2.5 levels between Dallas and Houston?
The stored annual PM2.5 values are 10.1 μg/m³ for Dallas and 11.2 μg/m³ for Houston. 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.