AIR QUALITY AK

Air Quality in Anchorage, AK: Good (34 AQI)

AQI 34 · Good · PM10 · Updated 2026-05-03

Anchorage's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Good

AQI Category

Wildfire Risk

Mold Score

ZIP Codes

What is AQI?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale from 0 to 500 that measures air pollution levels. 0-50 is "Good," 51-100 is "Moderate," 101-150 is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," and above 150 is "Unhealthy" for everyone. AQI tracks five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Anchorage's average AQI of 34 falls in the "Good" range.

Air Quality Map: Anchorage, AK

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.

Good (0-50) Moderate (51-100) USG (101-150) Unhealthy (151+)

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Anchorage

AQI varies across Anchorage's 25 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
99501	34	Good	10	61	View report →
99502	34	Good	10	54	View report →
99503	34	Good	10	58	View report →
99504	34	Good	10	57	View report →
99507	34	Good	10	57	View report →
99508	34	Good	10	61	View report →
99509	34	Good	10	53	View report →
99510	34	Good	10	57	View report →
99511	34	Good	10	53	View report →
99513	34	Good	10	53	View report →
99514	34	Good	10	53	View report →
99515	34	Good	10	54	View report →
99516	34	Good	10	54	View report →
99517	34	Good	10	61	View report →
99518	34	Good	10	54	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Anchorage, Alaska has good air quality with an average AQI of 34. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured is PM10.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an EPA-standardized scale from 0 to 500. Values below 50 are "Good," 51-100 "Moderate," 101-150 "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," 151-200 "Unhealthy," 201-300 "Very Unhealthy," and above 300 "Hazardous."

Dominant Pollutant: PM10

PM10 is one of six criteria pollutants monitored by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. Elevated levels can cause respiratory irritation and may aggravate existing health conditions.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Anchorage

AQI varies across Anchorage's 25 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
99501	34	Good	10	61
99502	34	Good	10	54
99503	34	Good	10	58
99504	34	Good	10	57
99507	34	Good	10	57
99508	34	Good	10	61
99509	34	Good	10	53
99510	34	Good	10	57
99511	34	Good	10	53
99513	34	Good	10	53
99514	34	Good	10	53
99515	34	Good	10	54
99516	34	Good	10	54
99517	34	Good	10	61
99518	34	Good	10	54

Showing 15 of 25 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Anchorage has a low wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 10 (scale 0-100). However, smoke from distant wildfires can temporarily degrade air quality even in low-risk areas.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	10
Max smoke risk score	10
Fires within 100 km	34
High-risk ZIP codes	0

Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory distress.

Indoor Mold Risk

Anchorage has an average mold risk score of 55 out of 100, with 8 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	55/100
Average humidity	73% RH
High-risk ZIPs	8
Peak season	summer high

Mold risk is influenced by humidity levels, housing age (older homes have more moisture issues), flood history, and water infrastructure quality. Indoor humidity above 60% creates favorable conditions for mold growth.

Signs of mold problems: musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, worsening allergies indoors, condensation on windows. Professional mold testing ($300-$600) can identify hidden issues.

Health Recommendations

With good air quality (AQI 34), Anchorage residents can enjoy outdoor activities without significant restrictions. General tips:

Monitor AQI during wildfire season for temporary spikes
Use HEPA air purifiers indoors if you have respiratory conditions
Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold

Anchorage vs. Nearby Alaska Cities

How Anchorage's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Anchorage	34	Good	229,426
Indian	38	Good	221,351
Fairbanks	46	Good	151,884
Ester	46	Good	78,324

ZIP Codes in Anchorage

Anchorage covers 25 ZIP codes. Air quality can vary by neighborhood based on proximity to highways, industrial areas, and green spaces. Check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

Data Sources

Air quality: EPA AirNow — real-time and historical AQI data
Wildfire risk: FEMA National Risk Index
Mold risk: Derived from EPA, FEMA, Census ACS (humidity, housing age, flood history)
Monthly AQI: EPA Air Quality Statistics

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Anchorage?

Yes — Anchorage's average AQI is 34 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.

How many unhealthy air days does Anchorage have?

Anchorage has zero recorded unhealthy air quality days, which is excellent. Air quality can still vary seasonally due to wildfire smoke, pollen, or industrial activity.

What is the AQI in Anchorage?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anchorage is 34, categorized as Good. The primary pollutant is PM10. AQI ranges from 0-500, where 0-50 is Good, 51-100 Moderate, 101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and 151+ Unhealthy.

What is the wildfire risk in Anchorage?

Anchorage has a wildfire risk score of 10 out of 100. Low wildfire risk means smoke events are uncommon, but regional fires can still temporarily affect air quality.

Is mold a concern in Anchorage?

Anchorage has a mold risk score of 55 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. Maintain good ventilation and address any water intrusion promptly to prevent mold growth.

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