Moderate Smoke Risk

State College, PA Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Stable

Compared to other metro areas, State College, PA scores average.

Historically, July brings the highest volume of particulate matter.

Health Recommendation

Sensitive groups should consider monitoring daily forecast apps significantly closer.

10-Year Annual PM2.5 Average

Analysis: Annual average Median AQI from 2015 to 2025.

If you live in State College, PA, particle pollution is specifically a concern during July. Despite seasonal fluctuations, year-over-year averages have shown little variance.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: July
Jan36.8
Feb37.5
Mar42.7
Apr48.6
May44.3
Jun51.4
Jul52.9
Aug40.9
Sep40.2
Oct39.0
Nov36.0
Dec43.0

Values represent historical Average Monthly AQI (PM2.5). Higher is worse.

Calculate Your Wildfire Defense

Don't guess. Enter your room size to see exactly which machine clears smoke in 15 minutes.

sq ft
Small Bedroom (100)Open Living (800+)
Required Smoke CADR: 192
Recommended

Coway AP-1512HH

The industry standard. Perfect for living rooms.

Coway AP-1512HH
Check Price on Amazon
Clears smoke in ~12.5 mins
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We recommend these units based on independent CADR performance data, not commission.

Wildfire smoke is 2.5 microns wide—too small for normal filters. Using an undersized purifier is dangerous false security.

Common Questions

When is the worst time for air quality in State College, PA?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in State College, PA are: July (AQI 52.9), June (AQI 51.4), April (AQI 48.6). These months typically see the highest concentrations of PM2.5 due to fine particulate matter trapped by local geography.

Is it safe to move to State College, PA given the air quality?

Absolutely. State College, PA has some of the cleanest air in the country. While no place is immune to occasional regional smoke, the long-term data shows it is a safe and healthy environment for residents.

How is the air quality changing in State College, PA?

It is holding steady. While some seasons see short-term spikes, the long-term annual average for State College, PA has remained consistent over the last decade, avoiding the sharp declines seen in other parts of the region.

Do I really need an air purifier in State College, PA?

For daily use, likely not. State College, PA's air quality consistently rates as "Good." However, owning one as a precaution for wildfire season or allergy relief is still a smart decision for sensitive groups.

How accurate is this data?

This report is built on official EPA Air Quality System (AQS) data. We aggregated daily summary files from 2014 to present to build these charts. Unlike real-time apps that estimate, this is the verified historical record.

Broader Risk Analysis

Is State College, PA safe from other disasters?

Air quality is just one factor. Check our sister site for a complete analysis of tornado, hurricane, and flood risks.

Full Safety Report →

Summary

This report isn't meant to scare, but to prepare. State College, PA has a bright future, provided its families take air quality seriously.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025