Published April 5, 2026 · Updated monthly
Best Cities for Air Quality in 2026
After analyzing 1,020 US cities using 10 years of EPA monitoring data (2014-2023), these are the 20 cities with the best air quality in America. Rankings are based on our proprietary Air Quality Grade, which factors in 5-year average AQI, trend direction, unhealthy day frequency, and dominant pollutant.
Top 20 Cities for Air Quality
These cities consistently deliver clean, breathable air. Their median AQI readings fall well within the EPA's "Good" category (0-50), and their trend lines are either stable or improving.
| Rank | City | State | 5yr Avg AQI | Grade | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | PR | 10 | A | Improving |
| 2 | Alexandria City, Virginia | VA | 6 | A | Improving |
| 3 | Cook, Minnesota | MN | 12 | A | Improving |
| 4 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | PR | 10 | A | Improving |
| 5 | Carbon, Wyoming | WY | 16 | A | Improving |
| 6 | Monroe, Michigan | MI | 21 | A | Improving |
| 7 | Juncos, Puerto Rico | PR | 9 | A | Improving |
| 8 | Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska | AK | 17 | A | Improving |
| 9 | Uinta, Wyoming | WY | 21 | A | Improving |
| 10 | Adjuntas, Puerto Rico | PR | 19 | A | Improving |
| 11 | Hawaii, Hawaii | HI | 25 | A | Improving |
| 12 | Rosebud, Montana | MT | 23 | A | Improving |
| 13 | Luna, New Mexico | NM | 17 | A | Improving |
| 14 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | PR | 18 | A | Improving |
| 15 | Colleton, South Carolina | SC | 26 | A | Improving |
| 16 | St Croix, Virgin Islands | VI | 27 | A | Improving |
| 17 | Hughes, South Dakota | SD | 13 | A | Improving |
| 18 | Humboldt, California | CA | 28 | A | Improving |
| 19 | Hopewell City, Virginia | VA | 7 | A | Improving |
| 20 | Winchester City, Virginia | VA | 7 | A | Improving |
What These Cities Have in Common
The top-performing cities share several characteristics. Most are located in coastal regions or the northern United States where prevailing winds disperse pollutants effectively. Many have lower population density compared to major metros, and several benefit from proximity to forests and mountain ranges that act as natural air filters.
Geographic advantage is not the only factor. Several of these cities have invested in clean energy infrastructure, public transit, and industrial emission controls that measurably reduce particulate matter and ground-level ozone.
How We Grade Air Quality
Our Air Quality Grade is a composite score (0-100, A-F) that goes beyond a single AQI reading. The weighting is:
- 5-year average AQI (40%) — sustained air quality over time, not just a good day
- Trend direction (30%) — is the city getting better or worse?
- Unhealthy days per year (20%) — how often does air quality drop to concerning levels?
- Worst contaminant severity (10%) — what is the primary pollutant and how bad does it get?
The Improving Cities
Among our top 20, 346 cities across the country show improving AQI trends over the past decade. This is driven by stricter emissions standards, the transition to electric vehicles, and the phaseout of coal-fired power plants. The Clean Air Act continues to be one of the most impactful pieces of environmental legislation in US history.
If you are considering a move and air quality matters to you, these cities represent the best options in the country. Check individual city profiles for detailed 10-year trend charts and pollutant breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis of 1,020 cities using EPA data from 2014-2023, the city at the top of our ranking has the lowest 5-year average AQI combined with an improving trend and minimal unhealthy days. Check the full ranking table above for the current leader.
Higher altitude cities can have mixed results. Thinner air disperses pollutants more easily, but mountain valleys can trap pollution through temperature inversions. Cities like Denver and Salt Lake City sometimes experience poor air quality despite their elevation.
Generally yes. Rural areas have fewer emission sources and lower traffic density. However, agricultural burning, wildfire smoke, and industrial operations can affect rural air quality significantly during certain seasons.
Nationally, air quality has generally improved over the past decade. Out of 1,020 cities tracked, 346 show improving trends while 244 are getting worse. Wildfire-affected western cities account for many of the worsening trends.
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