Air Quality in Houghton, SD: Good (19 AQI)
AQI 19 · Good · PM10 · Updated 2026-07-18
Houghton's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.
Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18
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. Houghton's average AQI of 19 falls in the "Good" range.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in Houghton
Houghton is covered by a single ZIP code, so one AQI profile applies citywide. Air quality still shifts with wind, season and proximity to pollution sources.
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire | Mold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57449 | 19 | Good | 14 | 43 | View report → |
Air Quality Overview
Houghton, South Dakota has good air quality with an average AQI of 19. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured is PM10.
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: PM10
PM10 is one of six criteria pollutants monitored by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. Elevated levels can cause respiratory irritation and may aggravate existing health conditions.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in Houghton
AQI varies across Houghton's 1 ZIP code based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire Risk | Mold Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57449 | 19 | Good | 14 | 43 |
Wildfire Smoke Risk
Houghton has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 14 (scale 0-100). There have been 1 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. smoke risk score | 14 |
| Max smoke risk score | 14 |
| Fires within 100 km | 1 |
| 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
Houghton has an average mold risk score of 43 out of 100.
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Mold risk score | 43/100 |
| Average humidity | 62% 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 good air quality (AQI 19), Houghton 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
Houghton vs. Nearby South Dakota Cities
How Houghton's air quality compares to nearby cities:
| City | AQI | Category | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton | 19 | Good | 280 |
| Harrold | 38 | Good | 278 |
| Bullhead | N/A | N/A | 285 |
| Seneca | N/A | N/A | 275 |
ZIP Codes in Houghton
Houghton covers 1 ZIP code. 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.