Bristol vs Portsmouth Heights
Reading the difference
Bristol scores 3.7 points higher on the historical 0–100 scale. This is a score difference, not a percentage reduction in pollution or a reading of today’s air.
Bristol, TN
Grade BPortsmouth Heights, VA
Grade BThe history behind the comparison.
Bristol
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
Regional reference: Kingsport (21 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Bristol.
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 7.1 |
| 2020 | 5.8 |
| 2021 | 7.1 |
| 2022 | 6.0 |
| 2023 | 7.1 |
| 2024 | 5.8 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Portsmouth Heights
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
Regional reference: Norfolk (5 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Portsmouth Heights.
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 7.1 |
| 2020 | 6.1 |
| 2021 | 7.2 |
| 2022 | 6.3 |
| 2023 | 7.9 |
| 2024 | 6.5 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗Bristol vs Portsmouth Heights - Common Questions
Is Bristol or Portsmouth Heights better for air quality?
Bristol scores 3.7 points higher on the historical 0–100 scale. This is a score difference, not a percentage reduction in pollution or a reading of today’s air.
What is the difference in PM2.5 levels between Bristol and Portsmouth Heights?
The stored annual PM2.5 values are 5.8 μg/m³ for Bristol and 6.5 μg/m³ for Portsmouth Heights. Check the historical year labels and any regional-reference notes before comparing.
Does this score measure today’s air?
No. This comparison uses stored historical records. Open each city report to see available current observations, their timestamps and source. Historical scores are not medical assessments.
Can I use this comparison to choose where to live?
It can help compare one environmental factor. It does not predict property values, healthcare costs or personal outcomes. Consider local conditions, data coverage and your other priorities as well.
Compare Other Cities
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical scores use stored EPA-derived city records. Current observations are requested separately and may use monitoring or modelled regional data. Inspect each report’s source and reporting period.
Methodology
Our Clean Air Score (0-100) is a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors:
- Annual PM2.5 averages (40%)
- Frequency of unhealthy days (25%)
- 5-year pollution trends (20%)
- Seasonal variability and extreme events (15%)
Updates & Accuracy
Historical year labels describe the available observations, not the site edition year. Some locations inherit a nearby city’s historical score and are labelled as regional references. Current readings may be unavailable or delayed.
Read the full method
Explore the scoring formula, coverage limitations and data sources. A historical score is not today’s AQI or a personal medical assessment.