Des Moines air quality.
Air quality observations and historical context for Des Moines, IA
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 7.0 |
| 2020 | 7.0 |
| 2021 | 7.8 |
| 2022 | 6.4 |
| 2023 | 9.4 |
| 2024 | 6.3 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Local context
What this page tells you
This page combines annual PM2.5, unhealthy days, 5-year trend, and data coverage so you can compare long-term air quality, not just today's reading.
🌍 Live Air Quality in Des Moines
Real-time pollutants resolved via none
Last 24 Hours: Des Moines AQI Trend
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns
Des Moines is treated as a mid-sized city in IA, so the most useful signal is the long-term pollution baseline rather than a single live AQI reading. Annual PM2.5 averages 6.2 ug/m3, with roughly 0 unhealthy-air days per year, and the multi-year trend is improving. Its Clean Air Score is 82.5 (grade B), which helps compare Des Moines with other IA cities. In Des Moines, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in October (averaging an index of 41), while the cleanest air conditions occur in April (averaging 24). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Des Moines exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. This report uses direct city-level monitor coverage where available, so the trend is tied closely to conditions in Des Moines.
Autumn (Wildfire smoke drift & air stagnation)
Historically lowest pollution baseline
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Des Moines is monitored for health safety. Long-term exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, making daily checks essential for active residents in IA.
Looking for cleaner air near Des Moines?
These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Des Moines (Score: 82.5).
Sioux Falls, SD
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Kenosha, WI
Indoor Air Quality in Des Moines, IA
Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.
Complete Des Moines Home AQI & Filtration Guide
Get custom room-by-room HEPA purifier sizing, seasonal PM2.5 trends, and local home sealing recommendations.
Usually safe to open windows for fresh air.
Air purifier is optional for most households.
Normal indoor and outdoor activity is fine.
Ventilate selectively; sensitive groups should watch symptoms.
Run HEPA filtration on low if pollen, smoke smell, or traffic exhaust is noticeable.
Most people can continue normal activity; sensitive groups should keep an eye on AQI.
Keep windows closed so outdoor PM2.5 does not build indoors.
Run HEPA filtration in bedrooms and main living spaces.
Children, older adults, and people with asthma should reduce outdoor exertion.
Keep windows and doors sealed as much as practical.
Run filtration continuously; use the highest comfortable fan setting.
Stay indoors when possible and consider an N95 if you must go outside.
🛒Top Air Purifiers & Filters for Des Moines
Given Des Moines's air quality profile and peak pollution season in October, maintaining certified HEPA filtration indoors is an effective defense against fine particulate matter.
Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier
Compact, ultra-quiet (<24dB), budget-friendly replacement filters.
Check price on AmazonCoway Airmega 200M True HEPA Air Purifier
Wirecutter top pick: high airflow, eco mode, washable pre-filter.
Check price on AmazonBlueair Blue Pure 311i+ Max Air Purifier
Extra carbon filtration for wildfire smoke and VOCs, smart app enabled.
Check price on AmazonCoway Airmega 400 True HEPA Air Purifier
Dual-suction Max2 filter for high smoke/pollen exposure in open spaces.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Clean Air Data earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase. This does not affect our air quality data or recommendations.
Health Recommendations
Most people can continue outdoor activities normally. Keep an eye on changing conditions.
Children and elderly should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion if AQI rises above 50.
Running & Outdoor Exercise Guide
Explore available hourly data before planning outdoor time in Des Moines.
Environmental Health Dossier: Air & Tap Water in Des Moines
Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and municipal drinking water contaminants represent the two primary involuntary daily exposures in any household. While HEPA filtration purifies indoor air, municipal tap water often contains invisible halogenated byproducts, heavy metals, or PFAS forever chemicals.
Des Moines holds a historical Clean Air Score of 82.5/100. High PM2.5 requires True HEPA (H13) physical media filters without electronic ozone generation.
Municipal utility compliance focuses on legal limits, not health guidelines. Verified solid-carbon or Reverse Osmosis filters target lead, chlorine byproducts, and micropollutants.
Compare Des Moines Air Quality
See how Des Moines’s pollution baselines and seasonal patterns compare side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines Air Quality
Is air quality in Des Moines safe today?
Current air quality in Des Moines is being monitored. Based on historical data, Des Moines has a clean air score of 82.5. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.
When is air pollution highest in Des Moines?
According to multi-year EPA observations, air pollution in Des Moines historically peaks during October (Autumn (Wildfire smoke drift & air stagnation)). The cleanest air window typically occurs in April.
What should sensitive groups do during peak air pollution in Des Moines?
Monitor real-time hourly spikes and verify indoor HEPA filtration during seasonal transitions. Maintaining certified indoor HEPA filtration is an effective way to minimize personal exposure.
What is a dangerous AQI level?
An AQI (Air Quality Index) above 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while levels above 150 are unhealthy for everyone. Levels above 300 are hazardous.
Should I wear a mask today in Des Moines?
If the AQI in Des Moines is above 150, an N95 mask is recommended for outdoor activities to filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Higher historical scores in IA
Major Hubs
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