AIR QUALITY TX

Air Quality in Austin, TX: Moderate (66 AQI)

AQI 66 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Austin'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. Austin's average AQI of 66 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: Austin, TX

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 Austin

AQI varies across Austin's 80 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
73301	66	Moderate	26	37	View report →
73344	66	Moderate	32	33	View report →
78701	66	Moderate	37	40	View report →
78702	66	Moderate	37	38	View report →
78703	66	Moderate	37	56	View report →
78704	66	Moderate	37	52	View report →
78705	66	Moderate	37	41	View report →
78708	66	Moderate	32	33	View report →
78709	66	Moderate	32	33	View report →
78710	66	Moderate	32	33	View report →
78711	66	Moderate	27	37	View report →
78712	66	Moderate	37	33	View report →
78713	66	Moderate	37	33	View report →
78714	66	Moderate	37	37	View report →
78715	66	Moderate	37	33	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Austin, Texas has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 66. 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 Austin

AQI varies across Austin's 80 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
73301	66	Moderate	26	37
73344	66	Moderate	32	33
78701	66	Moderate	37	40
78702	66	Moderate	37	38
78703	66	Moderate	37	56
78704	66	Moderate	37	52
78705	66	Moderate	37	41
78708	66	Moderate	32	33
78709	66	Moderate	32	33
78710	66	Moderate	32	33
78711	66	Moderate	27	37
78712	66	Moderate	37	33
78713	66	Moderate	37	33
78714	66	Moderate	37	37
78715	66	Moderate	37	33

Showing 15 of 80 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Austin has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 34 (scale 0-100). There have been 3,050 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	34
Max smoke risk score	38
Fires within 100 km	3,050
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

Austin has an average mold risk score of 39 out of 100, with 6 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	39/100
Average humidity	66% RH
High-risk ZIPs	6
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 moderate air quality (AQI 66), 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

Austin vs. Nearby Texas Cities

How Austin's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Austin	66	Moderate	1,246,707
Mc Neil	55	Moderate	1,115,323
Dallas	54	Moderate	1,409,301
Fort Worth	54	Moderate	962,634

ZIP Codes in Austin

Austin covers 80 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 Austin?

Austin's average AQI is 66 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Austin have?

Austin experiences 80 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 Austin?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Austin is 66, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM2.5. 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 Austin?

Austin has a wildfire risk score of 34 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Austin?

Austin has a mold risk score of 39 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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