AIR QUALITY AR

Air Quality in Little Rock, AR: Moderate (58 AQI)

AQI 58 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Little Rock's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

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

Average AQI

Moderate

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. Little Rock's average AQI of 58 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Little Rock, AR

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 Little Rock

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
72201	58	Moderate	12	47	View report →
72202	58	Moderate	12	51	View report →
72203	58	Moderate	17	41	View report →
72204	58	Moderate	17	60	View report →
72205	58	Moderate	17	60	View report →
72206	58	Moderate	12	53	View report →
72207	58	Moderate	17	54	View report →
72209	58	Moderate	17	56	View report →
72210	58	Moderate	17	38	View report →
72211	58	Moderate	17	38	View report →
72212	58	Moderate	17	45	View report →
72214	58	Moderate	12	37	View report →
72215	58	Moderate	17	37	View report →
72216	58	Moderate	12	33	View report →
72217	58	Moderate	12	37	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Little Rock, Arkansas has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 58. Air quality is acceptable, though some pollutants may be a concern for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. The dominant pollutant is PM2.5.

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: PM2.5

PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) consists of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers — about 30 times thinner than a human hair. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Health effects of PM2.5 exposure:

Short-term: coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma
Long-term: reduced lung function, cardiovascular disease, premature death
Most vulnerable: children, elderly, people with heart or lung disease

Common sources in urban areas: vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, residential wood burning.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Little Rock

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
72201	58	Moderate	12	47
72202	58	Moderate	12	51
72203	58	Moderate	17	41
72204	58	Moderate	17	60
72205	58	Moderate	17	60
72206	58	Moderate	12	53
72207	58	Moderate	17	54
72209	58	Moderate	17	56
72210	58	Moderate	17	38
72211	58	Moderate	17	38
72212	58	Moderate	17	45
72214	58	Moderate	12	37
72215	58	Moderate	17	37
72216	58	Moderate	12	33
72217	58	Moderate	12	37

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

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Little Rock has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 15 (scale 0-100). There have been 98 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	15
Max smoke risk score	17
Fires within 100 km	98
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

Little Rock has an average mold risk score of 42 out of 100, with 3 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	42/100
Average humidity	69% RH
High-risk ZIPs	3
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 moderate air quality (AQI 58), most people can be active outdoors. Sensitive groups should take precautions:

Sensitive groups (asthma, COPD, heart disease): consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
Keep windows closed on high-pollution days
Use a HEPA air purifier in main living areas
Check AirNow.gov before outdoor exercise

Little Rock vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities

How Little Rock's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Little Rock	58	Moderate	380,367
College Station	63	Moderate	368,455
Maumelle	63	Moderate	368,455
Sherwood	63	Moderate	368,455

ZIP Codes in Little Rock

Little Rock 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 Little Rock?

Little Rock's average AQI is 58 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Little Rock have?

Little Rock 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 Little Rock?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Little Rock is 58, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM2.5. 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 Little Rock?

Little Rock has a wildfire risk score of 15 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 Little Rock?

Little Rock has a mold risk score of 42 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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