AIR QUALITY AR

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

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

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

Air Quality Map: North 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 North Little Rock

AQI varies across North Little Rock's 9 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
72114	58	Moderate	12	57	View report →
72115	58	Moderate	12	37	View report →
72116	58	Moderate	12	50	View report →
72117	58	Moderate	12	53	View report →
72118	58	Moderate	17	56	View report →
72119	58	Moderate	12	33	View report →
72124	58	Moderate	17	33	View report →
72190	58	Moderate	17	33	View report →
72199	58	Moderate	17	41	View report →

Air Quality Overview

North 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 North Little Rock

AQI varies across North Little Rock's 9 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
72114	58	Moderate	12	57
72115	58	Moderate	12	37
72116	58	Moderate	12	50
72117	58	Moderate	12	53
72118	58	Moderate	17	56
72119	58	Moderate	12	33
72124	58	Moderate	17	33
72190	58	Moderate	17	33
72199	58	Moderate	17	41

Wildfire Smoke Risk

North Little Rock has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 14 (scale 0-100). There have been 35 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	14
Max smoke risk score	17
Fires within 100 km	35
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

North Little Rock has an average mold risk score of 44 out of 100, with 2 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	44/100
Average humidity	69% RH
High-risk ZIPs	2
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

North Little Rock vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities

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

City	AQI	Category	Population
North Little Rock	58	Moderate	1,500
Casa	N/A	N/A	1,500
Scott	63	Moderate	1,500
Stephens	N/A	N/A	1,505

ZIP Codes in North Little Rock

North Little Rock covers 9 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 North Little Rock?

North 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 North Little Rock have?

North 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 North Little Rock?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in North 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 North Little Rock?

North Little Rock has a wildfire risk score of 14 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 North Little Rock?

North Little Rock has a mold risk score of 44 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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