Air Quality in Clarksville, TN: Moderate (52 AQI)
AQI 52 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03
Clarksville'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
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. Clarksville's average AQI of 52 falls in the "Moderate" range.
Air Quality Map: Clarksville, TN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in Clarksville
AQI varies across Clarksville's 5 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire | Mold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37040 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 | View report → |
| 37041 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 | View report → |
| 37042 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 54 | View report → |
| 37043 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 | View report → |
| 37044 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 43 | View report → |
Air Quality Overview
Clarksville, Tennessee has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 52. 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 PM2.5.
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: PM2.5
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) consists of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers — about 30 times thinner than a human hair. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Health effects of PM2.5 exposure:
- Short-term: coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma
- Long-term: reduced lung function, cardiovascular disease, premature death
- Most vulnerable: children, elderly, people with heart or lung disease
Common sources in urban areas: vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, residential wood burning.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in Clarksville
AQI varies across Clarksville's 5 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire Risk | Mold Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37040 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 |
| 37041 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 |
| 37042 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 54 |
| 37043 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 51 |
| 37044 | 52 | Moderate | 11 | 43 |
Wildfire Smoke Risk
Clarksville has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 11 (scale 0-100). There have been 5 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. smoke risk score | 11 |
| Max smoke risk score | 11 |
| Fires within 100 km | 5 |
| 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
Clarksville has an average mold risk score of 50 out of 100.
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Mold risk score | 50/100 |
| Average humidity | 70% RH |
| High-risk ZIPs | 0 |
| 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 52), 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
Clarksville vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Clarksville's air quality compares to nearby cities:
| City | AQI | Category | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | 52 | Moderate | 289,449 |
| La Vergne | 71 | Moderate | 282,747 |
| Chattanooga | 170 | Unhealthy | 279,166 |
| Heiskell | 96 | Moderate | 254,671 |
ZIP Codes in Clarksville
Clarksville covers 5 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.