AIR QUALITY AZ USG

Air Quality Alert: Surprise, AZ — 107 AQI

AQI 107 · USG · PM10 · Updated 2026-05-03

Surprise's air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity.

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

107
Average AQI
USG
AQI Category
70
Unhealthy Days
55
Wildfire Risk
16
Mold Score
5
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. Surprise's average AQI of 107 falls in the "USG" range.

How do wildfires affect air quality?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel hundreds of miles and dramatically spike AQI readings. During fire season, even cities far from active fires can experience unhealthy air. HEPA air purifiers (rated for PM2.5) are the most effective indoor protection. Check AirNow.gov for real-time conditions during fire season.

Air Quality Map: Surprise, AZ

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 Surprise

AQI varies across Surprise's 5 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Mold
85374 107 USG 54 14 View report →
85378 107 USG 54 19 View report →
85379 107 USG 59 14 View report →
85387 107 USG 54 17 View report →
85388 107 USG 54 14 View report →

Air Quality Overview

Surprise, Arizona has air quality rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with an average AQI of 107. People with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults may experience health effects. The dominant pollutant 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 Surprise

AQI varies across Surprise's 5 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Risk Mold Score
85374 107 USG 54 14
85378 107 USG 54 19
85379 107 USG 59 14
85387 107 USG 54 17
85388 107 USG 54 14

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Surprise has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 55 (scale 0-100). There have been 439 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric Value
Avg. smoke risk score 55
Max smoke risk score 59
Fires within 100 km 439
High-risk ZIP codes 5

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

Surprise has an average mold risk score of 16 out of 100.

Factor Value
Mold risk score 16/100
Average humidity 34% RH
High-risk ZIPs 0
Peak season balanced

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 USG-level air quality (AQI 107), sensitive groups should limit outdoor exposure:

  • Sensitive groups: avoid prolonged outdoor exertion
  • General public: reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Run HEPA air purifiers continuously
  • Wear N95 masks outdoors if prolonged exposure is unavoidable

Surprise vs. Nearby Arizona Cities

How Surprise's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City AQI Category Population
Surprise 107 USG 201,210
Peoria 148 USG 200,289
Glendale Luke Afb 148 USG 234,766
Tempe 72 Moderate 166,887

ZIP Codes in Surprise

Surprise covers 5 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 Surprise?
Surprise's average AQI is 107 (USG). This level poses health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly. Air purifiers and limiting outdoor activity on high-AQI days are recommended.
How many unhealthy air days does Surprise have?
Surprise experiences 70 unhealthy air quality days per year on average. During these days, everyone — not just sensitive groups — should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
What is the AQI in Surprise?
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Surprise is 107, categorized as USG. 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 Surprise?
Surprise has a wildfire risk score of 55 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.
Is mold a concern in Surprise?
Surprise has a mold risk score of 16 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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