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

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. Kansas City's average AQI of 62 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Kansas City, MO

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 Kansas City

AQI varies across Kansas City's 75 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
64101	62	Moderate	18	58	View report →
64102	62	Moderate	18	31	View report →
64105	62	Moderate	18	55	View report →
64106	62	Moderate	18	48	View report →
64108	62	Moderate	18	57	View report →
64109	62	Moderate	18	55	View report →
64110	62	Moderate	18	58	View report →
64111	62	Moderate	18	58	View report →
64112	62	Moderate	18	64	View report →
64113	62	Moderate	18	61	View report →
64114	62	Moderate	18	64	View report →
64116	62	Moderate	18	51	View report →
64117	62	Moderate	18	58	View report →
64118	62	Moderate	18	57	View report →
64119	62	Moderate	18	57	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Kansas City, Missouri has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 62. 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 Kansas City

AQI varies across Kansas City's 75 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

Showing 15 of 75 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Kansas City has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 17 (scale 0-100). There have been 93 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	17
Max smoke risk score	19
Fires within 100 km	93
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

Kansas City has an average mold risk score of 44 out of 100, with 27 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	44/100
Average humidity	68% RH
High-risk ZIPs	27
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 62), 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

Kansas City vs. Nearby Missouri Cities

How Kansas City's air quality compares to nearby cities:

ZIP Codes in Kansas City

Kansas City covers 75 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.