AIR QUALITY CO

Air Quality in Colorado Springs, CO: Moderate (64 AQI)

AQI 64 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated

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:

64
Average AQI
Moderate
AQI Category
38
Wildfire Risk
11
Mold Score
55
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 64 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 64 Moderate 39 5 View report →
80902 64 Moderate 38 11 View report →
80903 64 Moderate 39 44 View report →
80904 64 Moderate 39 32 View report →
80905 64 Moderate 39 32 View report →
80906 64 Moderate 38 38 View report →
80907 64 Moderate 38 29 View report →
80908 64 Moderate 33 20 View report →
80909 64 Moderate 39 32 View report →
80910 64 Moderate 39 34 View report →
80911 64 Moderate 38 35 View report →
80912 64 Moderate 39 0 View report →
80913 64 Moderate 38 8 View report →
80914 64 Moderate 38 4 View report →
80915 64 Moderate 38 22 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 64. 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 64 Moderate 39 5
80902 64 Moderate 38 11
80903 64 Moderate 39 44
80904 64 Moderate 39 32
80905 64 Moderate 39 32
80906 64 Moderate 38 38
80907 64 Moderate 38 29
80908 64 Moderate 33 20
80909 64 Moderate 39 32
80910 64 Moderate 39 34
80911 64 Moderate 38 35
80912 64 Moderate 39 0
80913 64 Moderate 38 8
80914 64 Moderate 38 4
80915 64 Moderate 38 22

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 11 out of 100.

Factor Value
Mold risk score 11/100
Average humidity 46% 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 64), 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 64 Moderate 613,448
Aurora 46 Good 463,814
Littleton 46 Good 318,691
Fort Collins 44 Good 201,525

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

Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's average AQI is 64 (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 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 Colorado Springs?
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Colorado Springs is 64, 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 11 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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