AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in Riverside, CA: Moderate (70 AQI)

AQI 70 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Riverside'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

Unhealthy Days

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. Riverside's average AQI of 70 falls in the "Moderate" 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: Riverside, CA

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 Riverside

AQI varies across Riverside's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
92501	73	Moderate	98	34	View report →
92502	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92504	73	Moderate	98	37	View report →
92506	73	Moderate	98	37	View report →
92507	73	Moderate	98	28	View report →
92509	73	Moderate	98	35	View report →
92513	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92514	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92515	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92516	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92517	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92519	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92521	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92522	73	Moderate	98	12	View report →
92503	58	Moderate	98	29	View report →

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Riverside, California has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 70. 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 Ozone.

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: Ozone

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars, power plants, and industrial facilities react with sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe.

Health effects of ozone exposure:

Irritation of the respiratory system
Reduced lung function
Aggravation of asthma and chronic lung diseases
Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Peak times: Ozone levels are typically highest on hot, sunny afternoons. Exercise outdoors in the morning when levels are lower.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Riverside

AQI varies across Riverside's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
92501	73	Moderate	98	34
92502	73	Moderate	98	12
92504	73	Moderate	98	37
92506	73	Moderate	98	37
92507	73	Moderate	98	28
92509	73	Moderate	98	35
92513	73	Moderate	98	12
92514	73	Moderate	98	12
92515	73	Moderate	98	12
92516	73	Moderate	98	12
92517	73	Moderate	98	12
92519	73	Moderate	98	12
92521	73	Moderate	98	12
92522	73	Moderate	98	12
92503	58	Moderate	98	29

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Riverside has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 98 (scale 0-100). There have been 717 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	98
Max smoke risk score	98
Fires within 100 km	717
High-risk ZIP codes	17

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

Riverside has an average mold risk score of 21 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	21/100
Average humidity	57% RH
High-risk ZIPs	0
Peak season	winter 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 70), 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

Riverside vs. Nearby California Cities

How Riverside's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Riverside	70	Moderate	402,159
San Bernardino	157	Unhealthy	365,027
Hawthorne	64	Moderate	364,431
East Irvine	77	Moderate	444,800

ZIP Codes in Riverside

Riverside covers 17 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 Riverside?

Riverside's average AQI is 70 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Riverside have?

Riverside 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 Riverside?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Riverside is 70, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. 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 Riverside?

Riverside has a wildfire risk score of 98 out of 100. High wildfire risk can significantly worsen air quality during fire season. Consider HEPA air purifiers and monitor AirNow.gov for real-time conditions.

Is mold a concern in Riverside?

Riverside has a mold risk score of 21 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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