AIR QUALITY IA

Air Quality in Cedar Rapids, IA: Good (35 AQI)

AQI 35 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Cedar Rapids's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Good

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. Cedar Rapids's average AQI of 35 falls in the "Good" range.

Air Quality Map: Cedar Rapids, IA

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 Cedar Rapids

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
52401	35	Good	2	64	View report →
52402	35	Good	2	58	View report →
52403	35	Good	2	69	View report →
52404	35	Good	2	64	View report →
52405	35	Good	2	66	View report →
52406	35	Good	2	53	View report →
52407	35	Good	2	44	View report →
52408	35	Good	2	49	View report →
52409	35	Good	2	44	View report →
52410	35	Good	2	44	View report →
52411	35	Good	2	46	View report →
52497	35	Good	2	44	View report →
52498	35	Good	2	44	View report →
52499	35	Good	2	44	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Cedar Rapids, Iowa has good air quality with an average AQI of 35. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 Cedar Rapids

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
52401	35	Good	2	64
52402	35	Good	2	58
52403	35	Good	2	69
52404	35	Good	2	64
52405	35	Good	2	66
52406	35	Good	2	53
52407	35	Good	2	44
52408	35	Good	2	49
52409	35	Good	2	44
52410	35	Good	2	44
52411	35	Good	2	46
52497	35	Good	2	44
52498	35	Good	2	44
52499	35	Good	2	44

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Cedar Rapids has a low wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 2 (scale 0-100). However, smoke from distant wildfires can temporarily degrade air quality even in low-risk areas.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	2
Max smoke risk score	2
Fires within 100 km	0
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

Cedar Rapids has an average mold risk score of 52 out of 100, with 5 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	52/100
Average humidity	68% RH
High-risk ZIPs	5
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 good air quality (AQI 35), Cedar Rapids 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

Cedar Rapids vs. Nearby Iowa Cities

How Cedar Rapids's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Cedar Rapids	35	Good	143,902
Davenport	99	Moderate	148,758
Iowa City	97	Moderate	98,352
Ames	N/A	N/A	97,632

ZIP Codes in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids?

Yes — Cedar Rapids's average AQI is 35 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.

How many unhealthy air days does Cedar Rapids have?

Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Cedar Rapids is 35, categorized as Good. 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 Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids has a wildfire risk score of 2 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 Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids has a mold risk score of 52 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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