AIR QUALITY KS

Air Quality in Wichita, KS: Moderate (59 AQI)

AQI 59 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Wichita'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. Wichita'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: Wichita, KS

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 Wichita

AQI varies across Wichita's 32 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
67201	59	Moderate	24	25	View report →
67202	59	Moderate	24	43	View report →
67203	59	Moderate	24	43	View report →
67204	59	Moderate	24	43	View report →
67205	59	Moderate	24	25	View report →
67206	59	Moderate	25	37	View report →
67207	59	Moderate	25	37	View report →
67208	59	Moderate	24	49	View report →
67209	59	Moderate	24	40	View report →
67210	59	Moderate	24	31	View report →
67211	59	Moderate	24	46	View report →
67212	59	Moderate	24	40	View report →
67213	59	Moderate	24	49	View report →
67214	59	Moderate	24	46	View report →
67215	59	Moderate	24	29	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Wichita, Kansas 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 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 Wichita

AQI varies across Wichita's 32 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
67201	59	Moderate	24	25
67202	59	Moderate	24	43
67203	59	Moderate	24	43
67204	59	Moderate	24	43
67205	59	Moderate	24	25
67206	59	Moderate	25	37
67207	59	Moderate	25	37
67208	59	Moderate	24	49
67209	59	Moderate	24	40
67210	59	Moderate	24	31
67211	59	Moderate	24	46
67212	59	Moderate	24	40
67213	59	Moderate	24	49
67214	59	Moderate	24	46
67215	59	Moderate	24	29

Showing 15 of 32 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Wichita has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 24 (scale 0-100). There have been 426 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	24
Max smoke risk score	31
Fires within 100 km	426
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

Wichita has an average mold risk score of 34 out of 100, with 1 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	34/100
Average humidity	62% RH
High-risk ZIPs	1
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

Wichita vs. Nearby Kansas Cities

How Wichita's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Wichita	59	Moderate	401,708
Andover	75	Moderate	395,699
Greenwich	75	Moderate	395,699
Edwardsville	75	Moderate	482,000

ZIP Codes in Wichita

Wichita covers 32 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 Wichita?

Wichita'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 Wichita have?

Wichita 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 Wichita?

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

Wichita has a wildfire risk score of 24 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 Wichita?

Wichita has a mold risk score of 34 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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