Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines
Reading the difference
West Des Moines scores 6.6 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.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Grade BWest Des Moines, IA
Grade BThe history behind the comparison.
Cedar Rapids
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
View data table
| Year | PM2.5 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 7.7 |
| 2020 | 8.4 |
| 2021 | 8.7 |
| 2022 | 8.1 |
| 2023 | 11.4 |
| 2024 | 7.4 |
Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.
Sources and scoring method ↗West Des Moines
Historical perspective
The longer view.
Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³
Regional reference: Des Moines (5.5 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in West Des Moines.
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 ↗Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines - Common Questions
Is West Des Moines or Cedar Rapids better for air quality?
West Des Moines scores 6.6 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 Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines?
The stored annual PM2.5 values are 7.3 μg/m³ for Cedar Rapids and 6.2 μg/m³ for West Des Moines. 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.