Essex, New Jersey Air Quality
Essex County, New Jersey (NJ)
↑ Worseningover 9 years
How Essex, New Jersey Air Quality Compares
Essex, New Jersey's median AQI of 44is 7% worse than the national average of 41. The area averages 1 unhealthy air days per year. The primary pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).
Essex, New Jersey Air Quality: The Full Picture
Essex, New Jersey (Essex County) holds an AirHistory Air Quality Grade of C (fair, scoring 59 out of 100), built from 9 years of EPA Air Quality System monitoring. Its median AQI rose 1 points between 2014 (43) and 2022 (44), and the five-year median now sits at 45 — inside the "Good" band on the EPA scale.
The pollutant driving most of the area's AQI readings is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). In 2022, it set the daily AQI on 127 of 269 monitored days (47% of the year), making it the controlling pollutant for the C grade. The single worst reading logged that year hit an AQI of 97 (Moderate), while the 90th-percentile day — the level the dirtiest 10% of days reach — came in at 61.
In 2022, Essex County recorded 177 "Good" air days (66% of the 269 days with valid AQI data), 92 "Moderate" days, and 0 days at "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or above. Over the most recent five years on record, monitors logged 4 days that crossed into "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or worse — about 1 per year.
The decade-long trend is worsening: median AQI has been climbing by roughly 0.40 points per year. The cleanest year in the record was 2015 (median AQI 39), and the most polluted was 2019 (median AQI 47). Because the data come straight from federally certified EPA monitors, these figures track the New Jersey county the monitors physically sit in rather than a city boundary.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 44 | 61 | 97 | 177 | 92 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 46 | 63 | 125 | 214 | 148 | 3 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 44 | 62 | 127 | 226 | 139 | 1 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 47 | 65 | 100 | 206 | 159 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 43 | 67 | 177 | 219 | 141 | 4 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 44 | 62 | 101 | 223 | 141 | 1 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 46 | 64 | 136 | 217 | 146 | 3 | PM2.5 |
| 2015 | 39 | 65 | 112 | 283 | 77 | 5 | Ozone |
| 2014 | 43 | 63 | 116 | 258 | 102 | 5 | NO2 |
What This Means for Essex County Residents
Essex, New Jersey has received an Air Quality Grade of C (59/100) based on a decade of monitoring data from the EPA's air quality monitoring program. The current median AQI of 44 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 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). Over the past 5 years, this area has averaged 1 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Essex, New Jersey has a current median AQI of 44, which falls in the "Good" range. The area has received an Air Quality Grade of C (59/100) based on 10 years of EPA monitoring data.
Air quality in Essex, New Jersey is worsening over the past decade. The median AQI has changed by +1 points from 2014 to 2022.
Essex, New Jersey averages 1 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 Essex, New Jersey is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). This is the dominant contributor to elevated AQI readings in the Essex County area.
Essex, New Jersey averages 1 unhealthy air days per year. This is relatively low, making it a reasonable choice for asthma sufferers. The primary pollutant is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), which is a known asthma trigger.
With a median AQI of 44 (Good), outdoor exercise in Essex, New Jersey is generally safe year-round. Essex, New Jersey averages 1 days per year when athletes should move workouts indoors.