EPA ACTIVE WATCH Western US & Intermountain Basins: Wildfire Smoke & Elevated PM2.5 Infiltration

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix vs El Cajon

Reading the difference

Both cities have the same historical Clean Air Score. Compare the individual pollution metrics and reporting periods below.

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA

Grade C
65.2
Clean Air Score
Annual PM2.5 9.1 µg/m³
Unhealthy Days 0%

El Cajon, CA

Grade C
65.2
Clean Air Score
Annual PM2.5 9.1 µg/m³
Unhealthy Days 0%
Sponsor

The history behind the comparison.

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: El Cajon (2.2 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.05.310.5 2019: 8.5 µg/m³20192020: 10.5 µg/m³20202021: 9.7 µg/m³20212022: 9.3 µg/m³20222023: 8.5 µg/m³20232024: 9.2 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20198.5
202010.5
20219.7
20229.3
20238.5
20249.2
Historical score65.2/100
Annual mean PM2.59.1 µg/m³

Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.

Sources and scoring method ↗

El Cajon

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.05.310.5 2019: 8.5 µg/m³20192020: 10.5 µg/m³20202021: 9.7 µg/m³20212022: 9.3 µg/m³20222023: 8.5 µg/m³20232024: 9.2 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20198.5
202010.5
20219.7
20229.3
20238.5
20249.2
Historical score65.2/100
Annual mean PM2.59.1 µg/m³

Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.

Sources and scoring method ↗

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix vs El Cajon - Common Questions

Is El Cajon or Casa de Oro-Mount Helix better for air quality?

Both cities have the same historical Clean Air Score. Compare the individual pollution metrics and reporting periods below.

What is the difference in PM2.5 levels between Casa de Oro-Mount Helix and El Cajon?

The stored annual PM2.5 values are 9.1 μg/m³ for Casa de Oro-Mount Helix and 9.1 μg/m³ for El Cajon. 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.

Data provided for informational purposes only. Always consult local health officials during extreme smoke or pollution events.