Elko, Nevada Air Quality
Elko County, Nevada (NV)
↑ Worseningover 10 years
10-Year AQI Trend
The solid line shows the median AQI each year. The dashed line shows the 90th percentile (worst 10% of days). Air quality in this area has been declining over the past decade.
Air Quality Day Breakdown
Number of days per year in each EPA AQI category. Green = Good (AQI 0-50), Yellow = Moderate (51-100), Orange = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150), Red = Unhealthy or worse (151+).
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Median AQI | 90th Pct | Max AQI | Good Days | Moderate | Unhealthy+ | Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 31 | 51 | 74 | 318 | 46 | 0 | PM10 |
| 2022 | 38 | 51 | 149 | 321 | 42 | 2 | PM10 |
| 2021 | 42 | 71 | 156 | 282 | 73 | 10 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 30 | 57 | 169 | 304 | 55 | 4 | PM10 |
| 2019 | 14 | 31 | 77 | 356 | 9 | 0 | PM10 |
| 2018 | 19 | 61 | 126 | 296 | 46 | 4 | PM10 |
| 2017 | 24 | 49 | 164 | 330 | 30 | 1 | PM10 |
| 2016 | 20 | 33 | 134 | 340 | 4 | 1 | PM10 |
| 2015 | 30 | 54 | 97 | 314 | 45 | 0 | PM10 |
| 2014 | 32 | 49 | 123 | 327 | 29 | 1 | PM10 |
What This Means for Elko County Residents
Elko, Nevada has received an Air Quality Grade of C (62/100) based on a decade of monitoring data from the EPA's air quality monitoring program. The current median AQI of 31 falls in the "Good" range.
Concerning trends show air quality has been declining, with the median AQI rising by 1 points over the monitoring period. This could be driven by increased development, wildfire smoke, or industrial activity.
The primary pollutant affecting this area is Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10). Over the past 5 years, this area has averaged 3 unhealthy air quality days per year — days when sensitive groups (children, elderly, those with respiratory conditions) should limit outdoor activity. The American Lung Association's State of the Air report provides additional context on long-term health risks from air pollution exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elko, Nevada has a current median AQI of 31, which falls in the "Good" range. The area has received an Air Quality Grade of C (62/100) based on 10 years of EPA monitoring data.
Air quality in Elko, Nevada is worsening over the past decade. The median AQI has changed by -1 points from 2014 to 2023.
Elko, Nevada averages 3 unhealthy air quality days per year over the past 5 years. On these days, sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity.
The primary pollutant affecting Elko, Nevada is Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10). This is the dominant contributor to elevated AQI readings in the Elko County area.
Elko, Nevada averages 3 unhealthy air days per year. This is relatively low, making it a reasonable choice for asthma sufferers. The primary pollutant is Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10), which can affect respiratory health.
With a median AQI of 31 (Good), outdoor exercise in Elko, Nevada is generally safe year-round. Elko, Nevada averages 3 days per year when athletes should move workouts indoors.