AIR QUALITY CO

Air Quality in Colorado Springs, CO: Moderate (59 AQI)

AQI 59 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Colorado Springs'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. Colorado Springs's average AQI of 59 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: Colorado Springs, CO

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 Colorado Springs

AQI varies across Colorado Springs's 55 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
80901	59	Moderate	39	10	View report →
80902	59	Moderate	38	9	View report →
80903	59	Moderate	39	39	View report →
80904	59	Moderate	39	34	View report →
80905	59	Moderate	39	36	View report →
80906	59	Moderate	38	33	View report →
80907	59	Moderate	38	33	View report →
80908	59	Moderate	33	15	View report →
80909	59	Moderate	39	36	View report →
80910	59	Moderate	39	28	View report →
80911	59	Moderate	38	31	View report →
80912	59	Moderate	39	6	View report →
80913	59	Moderate	38	6	View report →
80914	59	Moderate	38	6	View report →
80915	59	Moderate	38	24	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Colorado Springs, Colorado has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 59. 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 Colorado Springs

AQI varies across Colorado Springs's 55 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
80901	59	Moderate	39	10
80902	59	Moderate	38	9
80903	59	Moderate	39	39
80904	59	Moderate	39	34
80905	59	Moderate	39	36
80906	59	Moderate	38	33
80907	59	Moderate	38	33
80908	59	Moderate	33	15
80909	59	Moderate	39	36
80910	59	Moderate	39	28
80911	59	Moderate	38	31
80912	59	Moderate	39	6
80913	59	Moderate	38	6
80914	59	Moderate	38	6
80915	59	Moderate	38	24

Showing 15 of 55 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Colorado Springs has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 38 (scale 0-100). There have been 1,340 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	38
Max smoke risk score	39
Fires within 100 km	1,340
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

Colorado Springs has an average mold risk score of 14 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	14/100
Average humidity	44% 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 moderate air quality (AQI 59), 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

Colorado Springs vs. Nearby Colorado Cities

How Colorado Springs's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Colorado Springs	59	Moderate	547,861
Aurora	111	USG	602,310
Fort Collins	35	Good	301,072
Thornton	111	USG	232,051

ZIP Codes in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs covers 55 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 Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs's average AQI is 59 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Colorado Springs have?

Colorado Springs experiences 55 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 Colorado Springs?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Colorado Springs is 59, 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 Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a wildfire risk score of 38 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a mold risk score of 14 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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