AIR QUALITY FL

Air Quality in Pensacola, FL: Moderate (52 AQI)

AQI 52 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Pensacola'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

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. Pensacola's average AQI of 52 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: Pensacola, 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 Pensacola

AQI varies across Pensacola's 25 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
32501	52	Moderate	21	80	View report →
32502	52	Moderate	21	75	View report →
32503	52	Moderate	21	77	View report →
32504	52	Moderate	21	73	View report →
32505	52	Moderate	21	73	View report →
32506	52	Moderate	21	72	View report →
32507	52	Moderate	21	72	View report →
32508	52	Moderate	21	61	View report →
32509	52	Moderate	21	57	View report →
32511	52	Moderate	18	61	View report →
32512	52	Moderate	31	61	View report →
32513	52	Moderate	21	61	View report →
32514	52	Moderate	21	68	View report →
32516	52	Moderate	21	61	View report →
32520	52	Moderate	21	61	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Pensacola, Florida has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 52. 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 Pensacola

AQI varies across Pensacola's 25 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
32501	52	Moderate	21	80
32502	52	Moderate	21	75
32503	52	Moderate	21	77
32504	52	Moderate	21	73
32505	52	Moderate	21	73
32506	52	Moderate	21	72
32507	52	Moderate	21	72
32508	52	Moderate	21	61
32509	52	Moderate	21	57
32511	52	Moderate	18	61
32512	52	Moderate	31	61
32513	52	Moderate	21	61
32514	52	Moderate	21	68
32516	52	Moderate	21	61
32520	52	Moderate	21	61

Showing 15 of 25 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Pensacola has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 21 (scale 0-100). There have been 36 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	21
Max smoke risk score	31
Fires within 100 km	36
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

Pensacola has an average mold risk score of 65 out of 100, with 25 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	65/100
Average humidity	78% RH
High-risk ZIPs	25
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 52), 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

Pensacola vs. Nearby Florida Cities

How Pensacola's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Pensacola	52	Moderate	304,591
Naples	55	Moderate	311,385
Sebastian	61	Moderate	294,646
Cocoa	48	Good	294,039

ZIP Codes in Pensacola

Pensacola covers 25 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 Pensacola?

Pensacola's average AQI is 52 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Pensacola have?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pensacola is 52, 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 Pensacola?

Pensacola has a wildfire risk score of 21 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 Pensacola?

Pensacola has a mold risk score of 65 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. This is elevated — proper ventilation, dehumidifiers, and regular inspection of basements and bathrooms are important.

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