AIR QUALITY TX

Air Quality in Lubbock, TX: Good (29 AQI)

AQI 29 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Lubbock's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Good

AQI Category

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. Lubbock's average AQI of 29 falls in the "Good" 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: Lubbock, 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 Lubbock

AQI varies across Lubbock's 27 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
79401	29	Good	27	37	View report →
79402	29	Good	27	36	View report →
79403	29	Good	27	46	View report →
79404	29	Good	27	49	View report →
79405	29	Good	27	36	View report →
79406	29	Good	27	36	View report →
79407	29	Good	27	40	View report →
79408	29	Good	27	40	View report →
79409	29	Good	27	36	View report →
79410	29	Good	27	63	View report →
79411	29	Good	27	57	View report →
79412	29	Good	27	60	View report →
79413	29	Good	27	57	View report →
79414	29	Good	27	52	View report →
79415	29	Good	27	42	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Lubbock, Texas has good air quality with an average AQI of 29. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 Lubbock

AQI varies across Lubbock's 27 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
79401	29	Good	27	37
79402	29	Good	27	36
79403	29	Good	27	46
79404	29	Good	27	49
79405	29	Good	27	36
79406	29	Good	27	36
79407	29	Good	27	40
79408	29	Good	27	40
79409	29	Good	27	36
79410	29	Good	27	63
79411	29	Good	27	57
79412	29	Good	27	60
79413	29	Good	27	57
79414	29	Good	27	52
79415	29	Good	27	42

Showing 15 of 27 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Lubbock has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 27 (scale 0-100). There have been 484 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	27
Max smoke risk score	27
Fires within 100 km	484
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

Lubbock has an average mold risk score of 42 out of 100, with 4 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	42/100
Average humidity	63% RH
High-risk ZIPs	4
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 good air quality (AQI 29), Lubbock 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

Lubbock vs. Nearby Texas Cities

How Lubbock's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Lubbock	29	Good	276,286
Laredo	61	Moderate	271,820
Irving	54	Moderate	264,546
Plano	54	Moderate	292,155

ZIP Codes in Lubbock

Lubbock covers 27 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 Lubbock?

Yes — Lubbock's average AQI is 29 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.

How many unhealthy air days does Lubbock have?

Lubbock has zero recorded unhealthy air quality days, which is excellent. Air quality can still vary seasonally due to wildfire smoke, pollen, or industrial activity.

What is the AQI in Lubbock?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lubbock is 29, categorized as Good. 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 Lubbock?

Lubbock has a wildfire risk score of 27 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 Lubbock?

Lubbock has a mold risk score of 42 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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