AIR QUALITY VA

Air Quality in Alexandria, VA: Moderate (55 AQI)

AQI 55 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Alexandria'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. Alexandria's average AQI of 55 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Alexandria, VA

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 Alexandria

AQI varies across Alexandria's 23 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
22301	56	Moderate	10	63	View report →
22302	56	Moderate	10	54	View report →
22303	56	Moderate	10	56	View report →
22305	56	Moderate	10	57	View report →
22307	56	Moderate	10	63	View report →
22308	56	Moderate	10	54	View report →
22311	56	Moderate	10	47	View report →
22313	56	Moderate	10	37	View report →
22314	56	Moderate	10	51	View report →
22320	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →
22321	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →
22331	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →
22332	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →
22333	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →
22334	56	Moderate	10	33	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Alexandria, Virginia has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 55. 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 Alexandria

AQI varies across Alexandria's 23 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
22301	56	Moderate	10	63
22302	56	Moderate	10	54
22303	56	Moderate	10	56
22305	56	Moderate	10	57
22307	56	Moderate	10	63
22308	56	Moderate	10	54
22311	56	Moderate	10	47
22313	56	Moderate	10	37
22314	56	Moderate	10	51
22320	56	Moderate	10	33
22321	56	Moderate	10	33
22331	56	Moderate	10	33
22332	56	Moderate	10	33
22333	56	Moderate	10	33
22334	56	Moderate	10	33

Showing 15 of 23 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Alexandria has a low wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 10 (scale 0-100). However, smoke from distant wildfires can temporarily degrade air quality even in low-risk areas.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	10
Max smoke risk score	10
Fires within 100 km	41
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

Alexandria has an average mold risk score of 45 out of 100, with 4 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	45/100
Average humidity	69% RH
High-risk ZIPs	4
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 55), 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

Alexandria vs. Nearby Virginia Cities

How Alexandria's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Alexandria	55	Moderate	2,890
Edinburg	N/A	N/A	2,946
Gordonsville	69	Moderate	2,830
Bergton	N/A	N/A	2,963

ZIP Codes in Alexandria

Alexandria covers 23 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 Alexandria?

Alexandria's average AQI is 55 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Alexandria have?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Alexandria is 55, 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 Alexandria?

Alexandria has a wildfire risk score of 10 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 Alexandria?

Alexandria has a mold risk score of 45 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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