Air Quality in South Lake Tahoe, CA: Good (9 AQI)
AQI 9 · Good · PM10 · Updated 2026-05-03
South Lake Tahoe's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.
Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03
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. South Lake Tahoe's average AQI of 9 falls in the "Good" 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: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in South Lake Tahoe
AQI varies across South Lake Tahoe's 8 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire | Mold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96150 | 9 | Good | 47 | 42 | View report → |
| 96151 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 | View report → |
| 96152 | 9 | Good | 48 | 18 | View report → |
| 96154 | 9 | Good | 47 | 18 | View report → |
| 96155 | 9 | Good | 43 | 41 | View report → |
| 96156 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 | View report → |
| 96157 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 | View report → |
| 96158 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 | View report → |
Air Quality Overview
South Lake Tahoe, California has good air quality with an average AQI of 9. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 South Lake Tahoe
AQI varies across South Lake Tahoe's 8 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire Risk | Mold Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96150 | 9 | Good | 47 | 42 |
| 96151 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 |
| 96152 | 9 | Good | 48 | 18 |
| 96154 | 9 | Good | 47 | 18 |
| 96155 | 9 | Good | 43 | 41 |
| 96156 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 |
| 96157 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 |
| 96158 | 9 | Good | 48 | 22 |
Wildfire Smoke Risk
South Lake Tahoe has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 47 (scale 0-100). There have been 358 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. smoke risk score | 47 |
| Max smoke risk score | 48 |
| Fires within 100 km | 358 |
| High-risk ZIP codes | 7 |
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
South Lake Tahoe has an average mold risk score of 26 out of 100.
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Mold risk score | 26/100 |
| 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 9), South Lake Tahoe 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
South Lake Tahoe vs. Nearby California Cities
How South Lake Tahoe's air quality compares to nearby cities:
| City | AQI | Category | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Lake Tahoe | 9 | Good | 107,415 |
| Highland | 159 | Unhealthy | 108,629 |
| Patton | 159 | Unhealthy | 108,629 |
| Lawndale | 64 | Moderate | 106,183 |
ZIP Codes in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe covers 8 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.