AIR QUALITY OR

Air Quality in Salem, OR: Good (41 AQI)

AQI 41 · Good · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18

Salem's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.

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

Average AQI

Good

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. Salem's average AQI of 41 falls in the "Good" range.

Air Quality Map: Salem, OR

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 Salem

AQI varies across Salem's 13 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
97301	41	Good	16	62	View report →
97302	41	Good	16	59	View report →
97303	41	Good	15	51	View report →
97304	41	Good	11	48	View report →
97305	41	Good	16	48	View report →
97306	41	Good	16	47	View report →
97308	41	Good	15	45	View report →
97309	41	Good	15	58	View report →
97310	41	Good	16	58	View report →
97311	41	Good	16	58	View report →
97312	41	Good	16	58	View report →
97314	41	Good	15	58	View report →
97317	41	Good	16	53	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Salem, Oregon has good air quality with an average AQI of 41. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 Salem

AQI varies across Salem's 13 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
97301	41	Good	16	62
97302	41	Good	16	59
97303	41	Good	15	51
97304	41	Good	11	48
97305	41	Good	16	48
97306	41	Good	16	47
97308	41	Good	15	45
97309	41	Good	15	58
97310	41	Good	16	58
97311	41	Good	16	58
97312	41	Good	16	58
97314	41	Good	15	58
97317	41	Good	16	53

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Salem has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 15 (scale 0-100). There have been 126 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	15
Max smoke risk score	16
Fires within 100 km	126
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

Salem has an average mold risk score of 54 out of 100, with 7 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	54/100
Average humidity	69% RH
High-risk ZIPs	7
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 41), Salem 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

Salem vs. Nearby Oregon Cities

How Salem's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Salem	41	Good	279,480
Eugene	32	Good	212,416
State Farm Ins	33	Good	199,820
Beaverton	21	Good	178,423

ZIP Codes in Salem

Salem covers 13 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 Salem?

Yes - Salem's average AQI is 41 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.

How many unhealthy air days does Salem have?

Salem 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 Salem?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Salem is 41, categorized as Good. 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 Salem?

Salem has a wildfire risk score of 15 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 Salem?

Salem has a mold risk score of 54 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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