AIR QUALITY WA

Air Quality in Spokane, WA: Good (42 AQI)

AQI 42 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

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

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

42
Average AQI
Good
AQI Category
40
Wildfire Risk
39
Mold Score
29
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. Spokane's average AQI of 42 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: Spokane, WA

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 Spokane

AQI varies across Spokane's 29 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Mold
99201 42 Good 40 54 View report →
99202 42 Good 40 51 View report →
99203 42 Good 40 51 View report →
99204 42 Good 40 54 View report →
99205 42 Good 40 51 View report →
99206 42 Good 40 44 View report →
99207 42 Good 40 51 View report →
99208 42 Good 40 42 View report →
99209 42 Good 40 33 View report →
99210 42 Good 40 37 View report →
99211 42 Good 40 33 View report →
99212 42 Good 40 48 View report →
99213 42 Good 40 33 View report →
99214 42 Good 40 33 View report →
99215 42 Good 40 33 View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Spokane, Washington has good air quality with an average AQI of 42. 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 Spokane

AQI varies across Spokane's 29 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Risk Mold Score
99201 42 Good 40 54
99202 42 Good 40 51
99203 42 Good 40 51
99204 42 Good 40 54
99205 42 Good 40 51
99206 42 Good 40 44
99207 42 Good 40 51
99208 42 Good 40 42
99209 42 Good 40 33
99210 42 Good 40 37
99211 42 Good 40 33
99212 42 Good 40 48
99213 42 Good 40 33
99214 42 Good 40 33
99215 42 Good 40 33

Showing 15 of 29 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Spokane has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 40 (scale 0-100). There have been 1,626 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric Value
Avg. smoke risk score 40
Max smoke risk score 40
Fires within 100 km 1,626
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

Spokane has an average mold risk score of 39 out of 100.

Factor Value
Mold risk score 39/100
Average humidity 69% RH
High-risk ZIPs 0
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 42), Spokane 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

Spokane vs. Nearby Washington Cities

How Spokane's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City AQI Category Population
Spokane 42 Good 394,809
Kent 54 Moderate 359,346
Airway Heights 23 Good 343,167
Nine Mile Falls 23 Good 343,167

ZIP Codes in Spokane

Spokane covers 29 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 Spokane?
Yes — Spokane's average AQI is 42 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.
How many unhealthy air days does Spokane have?
Spokane 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 Spokane?
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Spokane is 42, 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 Spokane?
Spokane has a wildfire risk score of 40 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.
Is mold a concern in Spokane?
Spokane 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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