AIR QUALITY PA

Air Quality in Wilkes Barre, PA: Moderate (55 AQI)

AQI 55 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18

Wilkes Barre'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. Wilkes Barre's average AQI of 55 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Wilkes Barre, PA

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 Wilkes Barre

AQI varies across Wilkes Barre's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
18701	55	Moderate	18	49	View report →
18702	55	Moderate	18	64	View report →
18703	55	Moderate	18	39	View report →
18705	55	Moderate	18	65	View report →
18706	55	Moderate	18	62	View report →
18710	55	Moderate	18	35	View report →
18711	55	Moderate	18	35	View report →
18762	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →
18764	55	Moderate	18	35	View report →
18765	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →
18766	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →
18767	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →
18769	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →
18773	55	Moderate	18	43	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 55. 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 Wilkes Barre

AQI varies across Wilkes Barre's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
18701	55	Moderate	18	49
18702	55	Moderate	18	64
18703	55	Moderate	18	39
18705	55	Moderate	18	65
18706	55	Moderate	18	62
18710	55	Moderate	18	35
18711	55	Moderate	18	35
18762	55	Moderate	18	43
18764	55	Moderate	18	35
18765	55	Moderate	18	43
18766	55	Moderate	18	43
18767	55	Moderate	18	43
18769	55	Moderate	18	43
18773	55	Moderate	18	43

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Wilkes Barre has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 18 (scale 0-100). There have been 71 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	18
Max smoke risk score	18
Fires within 100 km	71
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

Wilkes Barre has an average mold risk score of 46 out of 100, with 3 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	46/100
Average humidity	68% RH
High-risk ZIPs	3
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 55), 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

Wilkes Barre vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities

How Wilkes Barre's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Wilkes Barre	55	Moderate	77,959
West Point	244	Unhealthy	72,496
Mechanicsburg	253	Unhealthy	83,963
Lebanon	253	Unhealthy	71,327

ZIP Codes in Wilkes Barre

Wilkes Barre covers 14 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 Wilkes Barre?

Wilkes Barre's average AQI is 55 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Wilkes Barre have?

Wilkes Barre experiences 14 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 Wilkes Barre?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Wilkes Barre is 55, 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 Wilkes Barre?

Wilkes Barre has a wildfire risk score of 18 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 Wilkes Barre?

Wilkes Barre has a mold risk score of 46 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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