AIR QUALITY TX

Air Quality in Waco, TX: Moderate (57 AQI)

AQI 57 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-07-18

Waco's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18

Average AQI

Moderate

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. Waco's average AQI of 57 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: Waco, 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 Waco

AQI varies across Waco's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
76701	57	Moderate	33	50	View report →
76702	57	Moderate	34	43	View report →
76703	57	Moderate	33	43	View report →
76704	57	Moderate	28	50	View report →
76705	57	Moderate	28	44	View report →
76706	57	Moderate	33	47	View report →
76707	57	Moderate	34	53	View report →
76708	57	Moderate	33	49	View report →
76710	57	Moderate	34	56	View report →
76711	57	Moderate	33	53	View report →
76714	57	Moderate	33	35	View report →
76715	57	Moderate	33	43	View report →
76716	57	Moderate	33	43	View report →
76795	57	Moderate	34	43	View report →
76797	57	Moderate	33	43	View report →

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Waco, Texas has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 57. 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 Waco

AQI varies across Waco's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
76701	57	Moderate	33	50
76702	57	Moderate	34	43
76703	57	Moderate	33	43
76704	57	Moderate	28	50
76705	57	Moderate	28	44
76706	57	Moderate	33	47
76707	57	Moderate	34	53
76708	57	Moderate	33	49
76710	57	Moderate	34	56
76711	57	Moderate	33	53
76714	57	Moderate	33	35
76715	57	Moderate	33	43
76716	57	Moderate	33	43
76795	57	Moderate	34	43
76797	57	Moderate	33	43

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Waco has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 33 (scale 0-100). There have been 406 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	33
Max smoke risk score	34
Fires within 100 km	406
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

Waco has an average mold risk score of 46 out of 100, with 1 ZIP code in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	46/100
Average humidity	63% RH
High-risk ZIPs	1
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 57), 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

Waco vs. Nearby Texas Cities

How Waco's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Waco	57	Moderate	161,622
Killeen	N/A	N/A	161,998
Tyler	61	Moderate	162,289
Midland	39	Good	165,318

ZIP Codes in Waco

Waco covers 17 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 Waco?

Waco's average AQI is 57 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Waco have?

Waco 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 Waco?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Waco is 57, 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 Waco?

Waco has a wildfire risk score of 33 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Waco?

Waco has a mold risk score of 46 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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