Kern, California Air Quality
Kern County, California (CA)
↓ Improvingover 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). 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 | 69 | 122 | 174 | 85 | 210 | 70 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 80 | 136 | 289 | 47 | 196 | 122 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 84 | 147 | 314 | 35 | 202 | 128 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 83 | 140 | 267 | 56 | 180 | 130 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 69 | 122 | 553 | 91 | 179 | 95 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 84 | 142 | 190 | 45 | 190 | 130 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 85 | 140 | 197 | 59 | 167 | 139 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 80 | 136 | 169 | 46 | 204 | 116 | Ozone |
| 2015 | 84 | 146 | 201 | 23 | 220 | 122 | Ozone |
| 2014 | 97 | 154 | 307 | 17 | 188 | 160 | Ozone |
What This Means for Kern County Residents
Kern, California has received an Air Quality Grade of D (42/100) based on a decade of monitoring data from the EPA's air quality monitoring program. The current median AQI of 69 falls in the "Moderate" range.
Encouragingly, air quality here has been improving, with the median AQI dropping by 28 points over the monitoring period. This trend suggests continued investment in emission controls and cleaner energy.
The primary pollutant affecting this area is Ground-Level Ozone. Over the past 5 years, this area has averaged 109 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
Kern, California has a current median AQI of 69, which falls in the "Moderate" range. The area has received an Air Quality Grade of D (42/100) based on 10 years of EPA monitoring data.
Air quality in Kern, California is improving over the past decade. The median AQI has changed by -28 points from 2014 to 2023.
Kern, California averages 109 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 Kern, California is Ground-Level Ozone. This is the dominant contributor to elevated AQI readings in the Kern County area.
Kern, California averages 109 unhealthy air days per year. With frequent unhealthy air days, asthma patients should use a HEPA air purifier indoors and check AQI before any outdoor activity. The primary pollutant is Ground-Level Ozone, which is a known asthma trigger.
With a median AQI of 69 (Moderate), outdoor exercise in Kern, California is safe most days, though sensitive individuals should check daily AQI before intense workouts. Kern, California averages 109 days per year when athletes should move workouts indoors.