AIR QUALITY FL

Air Quality in Ocala, FL: Moderate (58 AQI)

AQI 58 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Ocala'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. Ocala's average AQI of 58 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: Ocala, FL

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 Ocala

AQI varies across Ocala's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
34470	58	Moderate	64	70	View report →
34471	58	Moderate	64	69	View report →
34472	58	Moderate	64	52	View report →
34473	58	Moderate	59	48	View report →
34474	58	Moderate	64	55	View report →
34475	58	Moderate	64	63	View report →
34476	58	Moderate	59	58	View report →
34477	58	Moderate	64	62	View report →
34478	58	Moderate	64	66	View report →
34479	58	Moderate	64	60	View report →
34480	58	Moderate	64	63	View report →
34481	58	Moderate	59	58	View report →
34482	58	Moderate	59	58	View report →
34483	58	Moderate	64	62	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Ocala, Florida has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 58. 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 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 Ocala

AQI varies across Ocala's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
34470	58	Moderate	64	70
34471	58	Moderate	64	69
34472	58	Moderate	64	52
34473	58	Moderate	59	48
34474	58	Moderate	64	55
34475	58	Moderate	64	63
34476	58	Moderate	59	58
34477	58	Moderate	64	62
34478	58	Moderate	64	66
34479	58	Moderate	64	60
34480	58	Moderate	64	63
34481	58	Moderate	59	58
34482	58	Moderate	59	58
34483	58	Moderate	64	62

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Ocala has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 63 (scale 0-100). There have been 308 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	63
Max smoke risk score	64
Fires within 100 km	308
High-risk ZIP codes	14

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

Ocala has an average mold risk score of 60 out of 100, with 12 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	60/100
Average humidity	78% RH
High-risk ZIPs	12
Peak season	summer 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 58), 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

Ocala vs. Nearby Florida Cities

How Ocala's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Ocala	58	Moderate	103,784
Port Salerno	58	Moderate	104,105
Palm Beach Gardens	55	Moderate	106,859
Miami Beach	66	Moderate	100,086

ZIP Codes in Ocala

Ocala covers 14 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 Ocala?

Ocala's average AQI is 58 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Ocala have?

Ocala experiences 14 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 Ocala?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ocala is 58, categorized as Moderate. 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 Ocala?

Ocala has a wildfire risk score of 63 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Ocala?

Ocala has a mold risk score of 60 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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