AIR QUALITY UT

Air Quality in Salt Lake City, UT: Moderate (51 AQI)

AQI 51 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Salt Lake City'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

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. Salt Lake City's average AQI of 51 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: Salt Lake City, UT

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 Salt Lake City

AQI varies across Salt Lake City's 56 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
84101	52	Moderate	43	11	View report →
84102	52	Moderate	43	29	View report →
84103	52	Moderate	43	29	View report →
84104	52	Moderate	43	32	View report →
84105	52	Moderate	43	35	View report →
84106	52	Moderate	43	32	View report →
84107	52	Moderate	43	30	View report →
84108	52	Moderate	43	32	View report →
84109	52	Moderate	43	26	View report →
84110	52	Moderate	43	0	View report →
84111	52	Moderate	43	24	View report →
84112	52	Moderate	43	18	View report →
84113	52	Moderate	43	0	View report →
84114	52	Moderate	43	0	View report →
84115	52	Moderate	43	24	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Salt Lake City, Utah has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 51. 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 Ozone.

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: Ozone

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars, power plants, and industrial facilities react with sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe.

Health effects of ozone exposure:

Irritation of the respiratory system
Reduced lung function
Aggravation of asthma and chronic lung diseases
Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Peak times: Ozone levels are typically highest on hot, sunny afternoons. Exercise outdoors in the morning when levels are lower.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Salt Lake City

AQI varies across Salt Lake City's 56 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
84101	52	Moderate	43	11
84102	52	Moderate	43	29
84103	52	Moderate	43	29
84104	52	Moderate	43	32
84105	52	Moderate	43	35
84106	52	Moderate	43	32
84107	52	Moderate	43	30
84108	52	Moderate	43	32
84109	52	Moderate	43	26
84110	52	Moderate	43	0
84111	52	Moderate	43	24
84112	52	Moderate	43	18
84113	52	Moderate	43	0
84114	52	Moderate	43	0
84115	52	Moderate	43	24

Showing 15 of 56 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Salt Lake City has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 43 (scale 0-100). There have been 3,736 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	43
Max smoke risk score	43
Fires within 100 km	3,736
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

Salt Lake City has an average mold risk score of 10 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	10/100
Average humidity	42% 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 moderate air quality (AQI 51), 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

Salt Lake City vs. Nearby Utah Cities

How Salt Lake City's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Salt Lake City	51	Moderate	536,557
West Jordan	51	Moderate	255,083
Sandy	24	Good	157,847
Orem	54	Moderate	150,434

ZIP Codes in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City covers 56 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City's average AQI is 51 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Salt Lake City have?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Salt Lake City is 51, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a wildfire risk score of 43 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a mold risk score of 10 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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