Aberdeen, SD

EPA AQS → · NOAA →

Metro area air quality from EPA Air Quality System (2024). 357 days monitored. Median AQI: 24 (Good).

Insights: Aberdeen, SD metro. Aggregated EPA AQS monitors across this Core-Based Statistical Area logged a median Air Quality Index of 24 over 357 measured days in 2024, which corresponds to a Good band and a Good metro-wide health grade. The monitored-day split lands at 306 Good days (86%), 47 Moderate (13%), and 4 Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups (1%). The 90th-percentile AQI finished at 54 while the highest single-day reading hit 118 (USG). Metro residents averaged roughly 25.7 clean-air days per 30-day window across the reporting year.

Across the 2020–2024 trend window, good days shifted by -2 and the median AQI moved -4 points, which classifies the multi-year trajectory as stable. The metro avoided any Unhealthy-tier days entirely, an outcome that typically reflects favorable wind patterns, lower industrial density, or effective regional emission controls. Metros with comparable AQI profiles include Coeur d'Alene, ID (82.0% good, AQI 24); Juneau, AK (85.4% good, AQI 24); New Castle, PA (100.0% good, AQI 24).

Air Quality Summary

Median AQI

24

Good

Good Days

85.7%

306 of 357 days

Max AQI

118

USG

Health Grade

Good

90th pct: 54

AQI Day Breakdown (2024)

Distribution of 357 monitored days across EPA AQI categories.

Good

306

86%

Moderate

47

13%

USG

4

1%

Unhealthy

0

0%

Very Unhealthy

0

0%

Hazardous

0

0%

Health Impact Assessment

Good

The Aberdeen, SD metro area's air quality is rated Good based on 85.7% good air days. No unhealthy air days were recorded in 2024.

Air quality is generally acceptable. Unusually sensitive people should monitor real-time conditions at AirNow.gov during high-pollution events.

5-Year Air Quality Trend

Air quality is stable in the Aberdeen, SD metro. Best year: 2022 (325 good days).

Year Good Moderate Unhealthy Median AQI
2020 308 56 0 28
2021 301 52 2 26
2022 325 25 0 23
2023 289 68 1 29
2024 306 47 0 24

Metros with Similar Air Quality

Metro areas across the US with a similar median AQI to Aberdeen, SD.

Coeur d'Alene, ID

AQI 24 · 82.0% good

24

Juneau, AK

AQI 24 · 85.4% good

24

New Castle, PA

AQI 24 · 100.0% good

24

Prineville, OR

AQI 24 · 77.0% good

24

Albany, OR

AQI 25 · 87.4% good

25

Elko, NV

AQI 23 · 87.1% good

23

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Air Quality Guides

Learn more about air quality monitoring, pollutants, and health impacts.

Understanding AQI

What each AQI level means and who is most at risk.

Best & Worst City Air Quality

Metro area air quality rankings and what drives urban pollution.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

How PM2.5 and ozone exposure affects respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the air quality in the Aberdeen, SD metro area? ▼
The Aberdeen, SD metro area has a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24, rated "Good." 85.7% of monitored days (306 out of 357) had good air quality in 2024.
How many unhealthy air days does Aberdeen, SD have? ▼
In 2024, the Aberdeen, SD metro area recorded 0 unhealthy air days (0 Unhealthy, 0 Very Unhealthy, 0 Hazardous). The maximum AQI reached 118.
Is air quality in Aberdeen, SD getting better or worse? ▼
Air quality in the Aberdeen, SD metro is stable based on 5-year trends (2020-2024). Best year: 2022 with 325 good days. Worst year: 2023 with 289 good days.
What does AQI 24 mean for health? ▼
An AQI of 24 is "Good" — air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no health risk. This is the best category on the EPA's AQI scale.
What is the 90th percentile AQI for Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The 90th percentile AQI for the Aberdeen, SD metro area is 54, meaning 90% of monitored days had an AQI at or below this level. The maximum AQI recorded was 118 (USG).
How does Aberdeen, SD compare to other metro areas? ▼
The Aberdeen, SD metro has 85.7% good air days. Similar metros: Coeur d'Alene, ID (82.0% good), Juneau, AK (85.4% good), New Castle, PA (100.0% good).

Data Sources

Primary Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Air Quality System (AQS), Annual AQI by CBSA dataset, 2020–2024. The AQS collects ambient air monitoring data from state, local, and tribal monitoring agencies across the United States.

Metrics: Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated using EPA-standard breakpoints for six criteria pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, NO2, CO, and SO2. Median AQI, max AQI, and 90th percentile AQI are computed from daily measurements. Good days percentage reflects days with AQI 0–50.

Coverage: 501 metro areas (Core Based Statistical Areas). Only metros with active monitoring stations are included. Unmonitored areas are not represented.

Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Source: U.S. EPA — AirNow / AQS Air Quality Index readings and pollutant concentrations · 2025