Air Quality in Helena, MT: Good (20 AQI)
AQI 20 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03
Helena's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.
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. Helena's average AQI of 20 falls in the "Good" 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: Helena, MT
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in Helena
AQI varies across Helena's 8 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire | Mold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59601 | 20 | Good | 35 | 38 | View report → |
| 59602 | 20 | Good | 35 | 35 | View report → |
| 59604 | 20 | Good | 35 | 25 | View report → |
| 59620 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 | View report → |
| 59623 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 | View report → |
| 59624 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 | View report → |
| 59625 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 | View report → |
| 59626 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 | View report → |
Air Quality Overview
Helena, Montana has good air quality with an average AQI of 20. 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 Helena
AQI varies across Helena's 8 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire Risk | Mold Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59601 | 20 | Good | 35 | 38 |
| 59602 | 20 | Good | 35 | 35 |
| 59604 | 20 | Good | 35 | 25 |
| 59620 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 |
| 59623 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 |
| 59624 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 |
| 59625 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 |
| 59626 | 20 | Good | 35 | 20 |
Wildfire Smoke Risk
Helena has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 35 (scale 0-100). There have been 257 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. smoke risk score | 35 |
| Max smoke risk score | 35 |
| Fires within 100 km | 257 |
| 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
Helena has an average mold risk score of 25 out of 100.
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Mold risk score | 25/100 |
| Average humidity | 54% RH |
| High-risk ZIPs | 0 |
| Peak season | winter 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 20), Helena 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
Helena vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Helena's air quality compares to nearby cities:
| City | AQI | Category | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | 20 | Good | 36,935 |
| Kalispell | 17 | Good | 34,065 |
| Butte | 24 | Good | 33,090 |
| Divide | 24 | Good | 33,000 |
ZIP Codes in Helena
Helena covers 8 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.