America's 50 Most Polluted Cities

Track the 50 US cities currently experiencing the highest pollution levels. Stay informed about air quality concerns, understand health risks, and take precautions to protect yourself and your family.

Health Alert: 2 cities have unhealthy air quality
Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities. Check your city's current conditions and follow recommended precautions.
120
Highest AQI Today
Bakersfield, CA
2
Unhealthy or Worse
Cities with AQI over 100
28
States Affected
Pollution concerns

States with Most Cities in Top 10 Most Polluted

California3 citiesUtah1 cityMichigan1 cityIllinois1 cityMissouri1 city

Top 50 Most Polluted Cities

Cities ranked by current air quality concerns

#1
BakersfieldCAUnhealthy
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
AQI 120
#2
FresnoCAUnhealthy
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
AQI 104
#3
Salt Lake CityUT
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 83
#4
Los AngelesCA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 74
#5
DetroitMI
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 70
#6
ChicagoIL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 69
#7
St. LouisMO
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 68
#8
HoustonTX
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 67
#9
Atlantic CityNJ
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 65
#10
DurhamNC
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 65
#11
AllentownPA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 65
#12
Fort WorthTX
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 65
#13
Fort CollinsCO
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 64
#14
PhoenixAZ
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 64
#15
SpringfieldIL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 64
#16
SarasotaFL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 64
#17
TucsonAZ
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 63
#18
WorcesterMA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 62
#19
PittsburghPA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 62
#20
PensacolaFL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 62
#21
StocktonCA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 62
#22
ProvidenceRI
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#23
MadisonWI
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#24
DenverCO
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#25
Jersey CityNJ
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#26
AtlantaGA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#27
DaytonOH
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#28
JacksonvilleFL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#29
ModestoCA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 61
#30
Sioux FallsSD
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 60
#31
Little RockAR
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 60
#32
ColumbusOH
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 60
#33
McAllenTX
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 60
#34
Fort WayneIN
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 59
#35
El PasoTX
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 59
#36
CheyenneWY
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 58
#37
Santa FeNM
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 58
#38
ScottsdaleAZ
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 58
#39
ColumbiaSC
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 57
#40
YonkersNY
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 57
#41
BrownsvilleTX
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 57
#42
Santa RosaCA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 57
#43
San DiegoCA
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 57
#44
LexingtonKY
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 56
#45
MilwaukeeWI
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 56
#46
BinghamtonNY
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 56
#47
RochesterNY
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 56
#48
BoiseID
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 55
#49
BirminghamAL
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 55
#50
St. PaulMN
Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
AQI 55

Common Causes of Poor Air Quality

  • Vehicle Emissions
    Heavy traffic and vehicle exhaust contribute significantly to urban pollution
  • Industrial Facilities
    Factories, refineries, and power plants release pollutants
  • Wildfire Smoke
    Seasonal fires can dramatically worsen air quality across regions
  • Geographic Factors
    Valleys and basins trap pollution, preventing natural dispersion

Health Risks of Poor Air Quality

  • Respiratory Problems
    Aggravated asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function
  • Heart Disease Risk
    Increased risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular issues
  • Vulnerable Populations
    Children, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions at highest risk
  • Long-term Health Effects
    Chronic exposure can lead to reduced life expectancy

How to Protect Yourself

When AQI is Moderate (51-100)

  • •Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion
  • •Monitor symptoms if you have respiratory conditions
  • •Consider indoor activities for children with asthma

When AQI is Unhealthy (101+)

  • •Keep windows and doors closed
  • •Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors
  • •Wear N95 masks when outdoors if necessary
  • •Avoid outdoor exercise and strenuous activities

Explore More Air Quality Data

Cleanest Cities
Best air quality areas
AQI Alerts
Active air quality warnings
Health Guide
For sensitive groups

About This Data

Rankings are based on real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data from EPA monitoring stations via the AirNow network. The AQI measures five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Higher AQI values indicate worse air quality and greater health concerns. Data is updated hourly as new measurements become available.