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

Goleta vs Isla Vista

Reading the difference

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

Goleta, CA

Grade B
82
Clean Air Score
Annual PM2.5 6.2 µg/m³
Unhealthy Days 0%

Isla Vista, CA

Grade B
82
Clean Air Score
Annual PM2.5 6.2 µg/m³
Unhealthy Days 0%
Sponsor

The history behind the comparison.

Goleta

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.03.77.4 2019: 5.1 µg/m³20192020: 7.4 µg/m³20202021: 5.8 µg/m³20212022: 5.2 µg/m³20222023: 5.8 µg/m³20232024: 6.2 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20195.1
20207.4
20215.8
20225.2
20235.8
20246.2
Historical score82/100
Annual mean PM2.56.2 µg/m³

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

Sources and scoring method ↗

Isla Vista

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: Goleta (2.5 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Isla Vista.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.03.77.4 2019: 5.1 µg/m³20192020: 7.4 µg/m³20202021: 5.8 µg/m³20212022: 5.2 µg/m³20222023: 5.8 µg/m³20232024: 6.2 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20195.1
20207.4
20215.8
20225.2
20235.8
20246.2
Historical score82/100
Annual mean PM2.56.2 µg/m³

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

Sources and scoring method ↗

Goleta vs Isla Vista - Common Questions

Is Isla Vista or Goleta 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 Goleta and Isla Vista?

The stored annual PM2.5 values are 6.2 μg/m³ for Goleta and 6.2 μg/m³ for Isla Vista. 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.