AIR QUALITY MI

Air Quality in Grand Rapids, MI: Moderate (51 AQI)

AQI 51 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Grand Rapids'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. Grand Rapids's average AQI of 51 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Grand Rapids, MI

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 Grand Rapids

AQI varies across Grand Rapids's 27 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
49501	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49502	51	Moderate	6	39	View report →
49503	51	Moderate	6	62	View report →
49504	51	Moderate	6	59	View report →
49505	51	Moderate	6	56	View report →
49506	51	Moderate	6	56	View report →
49507	51	Moderate	6	62	View report →
49508	51	Moderate	6	51	View report →
49510	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49512	51	Moderate	6	39	View report →
49514	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49515	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49516	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49518	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →
49523	51	Moderate	6	34	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Grand Rapids, Michigan has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 51. 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 Grand Rapids

AQI varies across Grand Rapids's 27 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
49501	51	Moderate	6	34
49502	51	Moderate	6	39
49503	51	Moderate	6	62
49504	51	Moderate	6	59
49505	51	Moderate	6	56
49506	51	Moderate	6	56
49507	51	Moderate	6	62
49508	51	Moderate	6	51
49510	51	Moderate	6	34
49512	51	Moderate	6	39
49514	51	Moderate	6	34
49515	51	Moderate	6	34
49516	51	Moderate	6	34
49518	51	Moderate	6	34
49523	51	Moderate	6	34

Showing 15 of 27 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Grand Rapids has a low wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 6 (scale 0-100). However, smoke from distant wildfires can temporarily degrade air quality even in low-risk areas.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	6
Max smoke risk score	6
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

Grand Rapids has an average mold risk score of 42 out of 100, with 5 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	42/100
Average humidity	70% 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 moderate air quality (AQI 51), 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

Grand Rapids vs. Nearby Michigan Cities

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

City	AQI	Category	Population
Grand Rapids	51	Moderate	315,695
Ann Arbor	66	Moderate	277,712
Lansing	67	Moderate	194,168
Kalamazoo	71	Moderate	193,444

ZIP Codes in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids covers 27 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 Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids's average AQI is 51 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Grand Rapids have?

Grand 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 Grand Rapids?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Grand Rapids is 51, 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 Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has a wildfire risk score of 6 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 Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has a mold risk score of 42 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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