Metro area air quality · 2024

Visalia-Porterville, CA

Median AQI 71 (Moderate). 20.8% of monitored days rated Good across this metro's EPA monitoring network.

71
Median AQI
20.8%
Good-air days
28
Unhealthy days
1%
Cleaner than US metros

Aggregated from EPA Air Quality System (2024), 366 monitored days. EPA AQS → · NOAA →

Insights: Visalia-Porterville, CA metro. Aggregated EPA AQS monitors across this Core-Based Statistical Area logged a median Air Quality Index of 71 over 366 measured days in 2024, which corresponds to a Moderate band and a Very Poor metro-wide health grade. The monitored-day split lands at 76 Good days (21%), 179 Moderate (49%), and 83 Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups (23%). The 90th-percentile AQI finished at 147 while the highest single-day reading hit 185 (Unhealthy). Metro residents averaged roughly 6.2 clean-air days per 30-day window across the reporting year.

Across the 2020–2024 trend window, good days shifted by +24 and the median AQI moved -9 points, which classifies the multi-year trajectory as improving. The metro recorded 28 unhealthy-or-worse days combined, on those days the EPA recommends that sensitive groups limit prolonged outdoor exertion, and many schools and athletic programs adjust outdoor activity accordingly. Metros with comparable AQI profiles include San Diego-Carlsbad, CA (12.8% good, AQI 71); Bakersfield, CA (20.8% good, AQI 72); El Paso, TX (22.1% good, AQI 67).

Air Quality Summary

Median AQI

71

Moderate

Good Days

20.8%

76 of 366 days

Max AQI

185

Unhealthy

Health Grade

Very Poor

90th pct: 147

AQI Day Breakdown (2024)

Distribution of 366 monitored days across EPA AQI categories.

Good

76

21%

Moderate

179

49%

USG

83

23%

Unhealthy

28

8%

Very Unhealthy

0

0%

Hazardous

0

0%

Health Impact Assessment

Very Poor

The Visalia-Porterville, CA metro area's air quality is rated Very Poor based on 20.8% good air days. There were 28 unhealthy days in 2024 when outdoor activity should be limited.

While median air quality is acceptable, peak events reached unhealthy levels on 28 days in 2024. Sensitive groups should be aware of episodic risk and monitor AirNow.gov during high-pollution periods.

How does the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro compare?

How Visalia-Porterville, CA compares

Good-day share worse than US avg
Visalia-Porterville, CA 20.8%
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA 12.8%
US average 70.2%
Median AQI worse than US avg
Visalia-Porterville, CA 71
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA 71
US average 41
Unhealthy days / yr worse than US avg
Visalia-Porterville, CA 28
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA 4
US average 1

5-Year Air Quality Trend

Air quality is improving in the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro. Best year: 2023 (94 good days).

Year Good Moderate Unhealthy Median AQI
2020 52 179 30 80
2021 49 182 38 81
2022 58 193 8 77
2023 94 189 19 69
2024 76 179 28 71

Metros with Similar Air Quality

Metro areas across the US with a similar median AQI to Visalia-Porterville, CA.

More Air Quality Data

Explore EPA air quality rankings and guides across U.S. metros and counties.

Air Quality Guides

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the air quality in the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro area?
The Visalia-Porterville, CA metro area has a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 71, rated "Moderate." 20.8% of monitored days (76 out of 366) had good air quality in 2024.
How many unhealthy air days does Visalia-Porterville, CA have?
In 2024, the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro area recorded 28 unhealthy air days (28 Unhealthy, 0 Very Unhealthy, 0 Hazardous). The maximum AQI reached 185.
Is air quality in Visalia-Porterville, CA getting better or worse?
Air quality in the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro is improving based on 5-year trends (2020-2024). Best year: 2023 with 94 good days. Worst year: 2021 with 49 good days.
What does AQI 71 mean for health?
An AQI of 71 is "Moderate", air quality is acceptable, but some pollutants may pose a moderate health concern for a small number of sensitive individuals.
What is the 90th percentile AQI for Visalia-Porterville, CA?
The 90th percentile AQI for the Visalia-Porterville, CA metro area is 147, meaning 90% of monitored days had an AQI at or below this level. The maximum AQI recorded was 185 (Unhealthy).
How does Visalia-Porterville, CA compare to other metro areas?
The Visalia-Porterville, CA metro has 20.8% good air days. Similar metros: San Diego-Carlsbad, CA (12.8% good), Bakersfield, CA (20.8% good), El Paso, TX (22.1% 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.

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