Hughes, South Dakota Air Quality
Hughes County, South Dakota (SD)
↓ Improvingover 9 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). This area has seen measurable air quality improvement over the 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 | 14 | 52 | 223 | 321 | 30 | 8 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 7 | 28 | 63 | 352 | 10 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 12 | 46 | 268 | 325 | 22 | 2 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 19 | 40 | 79 | 332 | 23 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 14 | 37 | 69 | 338 | 18 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 18 | 43 | 108 | 327 | 26 | 1 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 16 | 39 | 98 | 343 | 13 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 22 | 40 | 69 | 341 | 11 | 0 | PM2.5 |
| 2015 | 21 | 43 | 152 | 331 | 28 | 2 | PM2.5 |
What This Means for Hughes County Residents
Hughes, South Dakota has received an Air Quality Grade of A (86/100) based on a decade of monitoring data from the EPA's air quality monitoring program. The current median AQI of 14 falls in the "Good" range.
Encouragingly, air quality here has been improving, with the median AQI dropping by 7 points over the monitoring period. This trend suggests continued investment in emission controls and cleaner energy.
The primary pollutant affecting this area is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). Over the past 5 years, this area has averaged 2 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.
Related Cities in South Dakota
AQI: 42 · Grade: C
AQI: 29 · Grade: B
AQI: 45 · Grade: D
AQI: 43 · Grade: C
AQI: 43 · Grade: B
AQI: 43 · Grade: C
AQI: 44 · Grade: B
AQI: 45 · Grade: C
Frequently Asked Questions
Hughes, South Dakota has a current median AQI of 14, which falls in the "Good" range. The area has received an Air Quality Grade of A (86/100) based on 10 years of EPA monitoring data.
Air quality in Hughes, South Dakota is improving over the past decade. The median AQI has changed by -7 points from 2015 to 2023.
Hughes, South Dakota averages 2 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 Hughes, South Dakota is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). This is the dominant contributor to elevated AQI readings in the Hughes County area.
Hughes, South Dakota averages 2 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 14 (Good), outdoor exercise in Hughes, South Dakota is generally safe year-round. Hughes, South Dakota averages 2 days per year when athletes should move workouts indoors.