AIR QUALITY MN

Air Quality in Minneapolis, MN: Moderate (60 AQI)

AQI 60 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18

Minneapolis's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18

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. Minneapolis's average AQI of 60 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Minneapolis, MN

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 Minneapolis

AQI varies across Minneapolis's 69 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
55428	61	Moderate	17	55	View report →
55429	61	Moderate	17	52	View report →
55432	61	Moderate	19	52	View report →
55433	61	Moderate	26	40	View report →
55434	61	Moderate	21	40	View report →
55442	61	Moderate	17	40	View report →
55443	61	Moderate	18	40	View report →
55444	61	Moderate	18	48	View report →
55445	61	Moderate	23	36	View report →
55446	61	Moderate	17	31	View report →
55448	61	Moderate	26	43	View report →
55449	61	Moderate	21	31	View report →
55401	60	Moderate	16	36	View report →
55402	60	Moderate	16	61	View report →
55403	60	Moderate	16	49	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Minneapolis, Minnesota has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 60. 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 Ozone.

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: Ozone

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars, power plants, and industrial facilities react with sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe.

Health effects of ozone exposure:

Irritation of the respiratory system
Reduced lung function
Aggravation of asthma and chronic lung diseases
Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Peak times: Ozone levels are typically highest on hot, sunny afternoons. Exercise outdoors in the morning when levels are lower.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Minneapolis

AQI varies across Minneapolis's 69 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
55428	61	Moderate	17	55
55429	61	Moderate	17	52
55432	61	Moderate	19	52
55433	61	Moderate	26	40
55434	61	Moderate	21	40
55442	61	Moderate	17	40
55443	61	Moderate	18	40
55444	61	Moderate	18	48
55445	61	Moderate	23	36
55446	61	Moderate	17	31
55448	61	Moderate	26	43
55449	61	Moderate	21	31
55401	60	Moderate	16	36
55402	60	Moderate	16	61
55403	60	Moderate	16	49

Showing 15 of 69 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Minneapolis has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 17 (scale 0-100). There have been 351 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	17
Max smoke risk score	26
Fires within 100 km	351
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

Minneapolis has an average mold risk score of 48 out of 100, with 17 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	48/100
Average humidity	68% RH
High-risk ZIPs	17
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 60), 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

Minneapolis vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities

How Minneapolis's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Minneapolis	60	Moderate	1,131,257
Saint Paul	65	Moderate	817,295
Rochester	80	Moderate	134,010
Duluth	301	Unhealthy	118,632

ZIP Codes in Minneapolis

Minneapolis covers 69 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 Minneapolis?

Minneapolis's average AQI is 60 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Minneapolis have?

Minneapolis experiences 81 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 Minneapolis?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Minneapolis is 60, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. 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 Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a wildfire risk score of 17 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 Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a mold risk score of 48 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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