AIR QUALITY SC

Air Quality in Columbia, SC: Moderate (65 AQI)

AQI 65 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Columbia'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. Columbia's average AQI of 65 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: Columbia, SC

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 Columbia

AQI varies across Columbia's 34 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
29201	65	Moderate	18	54	View report →
29202	65	Moderate	18	54	View report →
29203	65	Moderate	18	62	View report →
29204	65	Moderate	18	69	View report →
29205	65	Moderate	23	72	View report →
29206	65	Moderate	23	69	View report →
29207	65	Moderate	23	39	View report →
29208	65	Moderate	18	45	View report →
29209	65	Moderate	23	60	View report →
29210	65	Moderate	18	65	View report →
29211	65	Moderate	18	45	View report →
29212	65	Moderate	18	60	View report →
29214	65	Moderate	18	49	View report →
29215	65	Moderate	23	49	View report →
29216	65	Moderate	18	45	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Columbia, South Carolina has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 65. 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 Columbia

AQI varies across Columbia's 34 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
29201	65	Moderate	18	54
29202	65	Moderate	18	54
29203	65	Moderate	18	62
29204	65	Moderate	18	69
29205	65	Moderate	23	72
29206	65	Moderate	23	69
29207	65	Moderate	23	39
29208	65	Moderate	18	45
29209	65	Moderate	23	60
29210	65	Moderate	18	65
29211	65	Moderate	18	45
29212	65	Moderate	18	60
29214	65	Moderate	18	49
29215	65	Moderate	23	49
29216	65	Moderate	18	45

Showing 15 of 34 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Columbia has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 22 (scale 0-100). There have been 104 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	22
Max smoke risk score	39
Fires within 100 km	104
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

Columbia has an average mold risk score of 51 out of 100, with 8 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	51/100
Average humidity	73% RH
High-risk ZIPs	8
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 65), 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

Columbia vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities

How Columbia's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Columbia	65	Moderate	323,067
Blythewood	61	Moderate	319,500
State Park	61	Moderate	319,500
Charleston	71	Moderate	327,422

ZIP Codes in Columbia

Columbia covers 34 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 Columbia?

Columbia's average AQI is 65 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Columbia have?

Columbia experiences 68 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 Columbia?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Columbia is 65, 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 Columbia?

Columbia has a wildfire risk score of 22 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 Columbia?

Columbia has a mold risk score of 51 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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