AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in San Francisco, CA: Good (47 AQI)

AQI 47 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

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

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

47
Average AQI
Good
AQI Category
12
Wildfire Risk
31
Mold Score
60
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. San Francisco's average AQI of 47 falls in the "Good" range.

Air Quality Map: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco

AQI varies across San Francisco's 60 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Mold
94130 50 Good 12 40 View report →
94101 47 Good 12 21 View report →
94102 47 Good 12 49 View report →
94103 47 Good 12 31 View report →
94104 47 Good 12 46 View report →
94105 47 Good 12 22 View report →
94107 47 Good 12 26 View report →
94108 47 Good 12 46 View report →
94109 47 Good 12 46 View report →
94110 47 Good 12 49 View report →
94111 47 Good 12 41 View report →
94112 47 Good 12 49 View report →
94114 47 Good 12 46 View report →
94115 47 Good 12 46 View report →
94116 47 Good 12 49 View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

San Francisco, California has good air quality with an average AQI of 47. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 San Francisco

AQI varies across San Francisco's 60 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Risk Mold Score
94130 50 Good 12 40
94101 47 Good 12 21
94102 47 Good 12 49
94103 47 Good 12 31
94104 47 Good 12 46
94105 47 Good 12 22
94107 47 Good 12 26
94108 47 Good 12 46
94109 47 Good 12 46
94110 47 Good 12 49
94111 47 Good 12 41
94112 47 Good 12 49
94114 47 Good 12 46
94115 47 Good 12 46
94116 47 Good 12 49

Showing 15 of 60 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

San Francisco has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 12 (scale 0-100). There have been 178 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric Value
Avg. smoke risk score 12
Max smoke risk score 22
Fires within 100 km 178
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

San Francisco has an average mold risk score of 31 out of 100.

Factor Value
Mold risk score 31/100
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 good air quality (AQI 47), San Francisco 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

San Francisco vs. Nearby California Cities

How San Francisco's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City AQI Category Population
San Francisco 47 Good 3,643
Mount Shasta N/A N/A 3,642
Aptos 37 Good 3,686
Mariposa 36 Good 3,695

ZIP Codes in San Francisco

San Francisco covers 60 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 San Francisco?
Yes — San Francisco's average AQI is 47 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.
How many unhealthy air days does San Francisco have?
San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in San Francisco is 47, categorized as Good. 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco has a wildfire risk score of 12 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco has a mold risk score of 31 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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