AIR QUALITY NM

Air Quality in Albuquerque, NM: Moderate (61 AQI)

AQI 61 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Albuquerque'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

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. Albuquerque's average AQI of 61 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: Albuquerque, NM

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 Albuquerque

AQI varies across Albuquerque's 43 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
87101	61	Moderate	27	14	View report →
87102	61	Moderate	29	38	View report →
87103	61	Moderate	34	14	View report →
87104	61	Moderate	29	31	View report →
87105	61	Moderate	34	37	View report →
87106	61	Moderate	29	38	View report →
87107	61	Moderate	29	37	View report →
87108	61	Moderate	29	38	View report →
87109	61	Moderate	29	34	View report →
87110	61	Moderate	29	38	View report →
87111	61	Moderate	29	29	View report →
87112	61	Moderate	29	34	View report →
87113	61	Moderate	29	20	View report →
87114	61	Moderate	29	25	View report →
87115	61	Moderate	29	14	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Albuquerque, New Mexico has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 61. 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 Albuquerque

AQI varies across Albuquerque's 43 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
87101	61	Moderate	27	14
87102	61	Moderate	29	38
87103	61	Moderate	34	14
87104	61	Moderate	29	31
87105	61	Moderate	34	37
87106	61	Moderate	29	38
87107	61	Moderate	29	37
87108	61	Moderate	29	38
87109	61	Moderate	29	34
87110	61	Moderate	29	38
87111	61	Moderate	29	29
87112	61	Moderate	29	34
87113	61	Moderate	29	20
87114	61	Moderate	29	25
87115	61	Moderate	29	14

Showing 15 of 43 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Albuquerque has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 32 (scale 0-100). There have been 544 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	32
Max smoke risk score	34
Fires within 100 km	544
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

Albuquerque has an average mold risk score of 21 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	21/100
Average humidity	38% RH
High-risk ZIPs	0
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 61), 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

Albuquerque vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities

How Albuquerque's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Albuquerque	61	Moderate	625,352
Kirtland Afb	88	Moderate	560,326
Las Cruces	43	Good	130,679
Santa Fe	32	Good	109,754

ZIP Codes in Albuquerque

Albuquerque covers 43 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 Albuquerque?

Albuquerque's average AQI is 61 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Albuquerque have?

Albuquerque experiences 43 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 Albuquerque?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Albuquerque is 61, 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 Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a wildfire risk score of 32 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a mold risk score of 21 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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