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

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. Tacoma's average AQI of 44 falls in the "Good" range.

Air Quality Map: Tacoma, 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 Tacoma

AQI varies across Tacoma's 38 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
98401	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98402	44	Good	19	48	View report →
98403	44	Good	19	59	View report →
98404	44	Good	19	54	View report →
98405	44	Good	19	59	View report →
98406	44	Good	19	53	View report →
98407	44	Good	19	56	View report →
98408	44	Good	19	56	View report →
98409	44	Good	19	51	View report →
98411	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98412	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98413	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98415	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98416	44	Good	19	39	View report →
98417	44	Good	19	39	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Tacoma, Washington has good air quality with an average AQI of 44. 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 Tacoma

AQI varies across Tacoma's 38 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

Showing 15 of 38 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Tacoma has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 19 (scale 0-100). There have been 415 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	19
Max smoke risk score	19
Fires within 100 km	415
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

Tacoma has an average mold risk score of 45 out of 100, with 6 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	45/100
Average humidity	71% RH
High-risk ZIPs	6
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 44), Tacoma 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

Tacoma vs. Nearby Washington Cities

How Tacoma's air quality compares to nearby cities:

ZIP Codes in Tacoma

Tacoma covers 38 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.