Wenatchee, WA

EPA AQS → · NOAA →

Metro area air quality from EPA Air Quality System (2024). 366 days monitored. Median AQI: 28 (Good).

Insights: Wenatchee, WA metro. Aggregated EPA AQS monitors across this Core-Based Statistical Area logged a median Air Quality Index of 28 over 366 measured days in 2024, which corresponds to a Good band and a Good metro-wide health grade. The monitored-day split lands at 293 Good days (80%), 68 Moderate (19%), and 4 Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups (1%). The 90th-percentile AQI finished at 62 while the highest single-day reading hit 158 (Unhealthy). Metro residents averaged roughly 24.0 clean-air days per 30-day window across the reporting year.

Across the 2020–2024 trend window, good days shifted by +19 and the median AQI moved +0 points, which classifies the multi-year trajectory as improving. The metro recorded 1 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 Athens, OH (90.7% good, AQI 28); Lynchburg, VA (86.4% good, AQI 28); Emporia, KS (86.9% good, AQI 29).

Air Quality Summary

Median AQI

28

Good

Good Days

80.0%

293 of 366 days

Max AQI

158

Unhealthy

Health Grade

Good

90th pct: 62

AQI Day Breakdown (2024)

Distribution of 366 monitored days across EPA AQI categories.

Good

293

80%

Moderate

68

19%

USG

4

1%

Unhealthy

1

0%

Very Unhealthy

0

0%

Hazardous

0

0%

Health Impact Assessment

Good

The Wenatchee, WA metro area's air quality is rated Good based on 80.0% good air days. There were 1 unhealthy days in 2024 when outdoor activity should be limited.

Air quality is acceptable most days, but 4 days reached "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" and peak AQI reached 158. Sensitive groups should monitor real-time conditions at AirNow.gov.

5-Year Air Quality Trend

Air quality is improving in the Wenatchee, WA metro. Best year: 2024 (293 good days).

Year Good Moderate Unhealthy Median AQI
2020 274 80 6 28
2021 279 81 3 31
2022 246 96 13 34
2023 280 80 2 34
2024 293 68 1 28

Metros with Similar Air Quality

Metro areas across the US with a similar median AQI to Wenatchee, WA.

Athens, OH

AQI 28 · 90.7% good

28

Lynchburg, VA

AQI 28 · 86.4% good

28

Emporia, KS

AQI 29 · 86.9% good

29

Grants Pass, OR

AQI 29 · 77.6% good

29

Moscow, ID

AQI 27 · 81.2% good

27

Roswell, NM

AQI 27 · 91.2% good

27

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FEMA disaster declarations. Wildfire, flood, and storm history affecting air quality. FEMA.gov →

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 Wenatchee, WA metro area? ▼
The Wenatchee, WA metro area has a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28, rated "Good." 80.0% of monitored days (293 out of 366) had good air quality in 2024.
How many unhealthy air days does Wenatchee, WA have? ▼
In 2024, the Wenatchee, WA metro area recorded 1 unhealthy air days (1 Unhealthy, 0 Very Unhealthy, 0 Hazardous). The maximum AQI reached 158.
Is air quality in Wenatchee, WA getting better or worse? ▼
Air quality in the Wenatchee, WA metro is improving based on 5-year trends (2020-2024). Best year: 2024 with 293 good days. Worst year: 2022 with 246 good days.
What does AQI 28 mean for health? ▼
An AQI of 28 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 Wenatchee, WA? ▼
The 90th percentile AQI for the Wenatchee, WA metro area is 62, meaning 90% of monitored days had an AQI at or below this level. The maximum AQI recorded was 158 (Unhealthy).
How does Wenatchee, WA compare to other metro areas? ▼
The Wenatchee, WA metro has 80.0% good air days. Similar metros: Athens, OH (90.7% good), Lynchburg, VA (86.4% good), Emporia, KS (86.9% 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