Air quality is a critical factor in community health and well-being, but many of us lack access to localized, real-time data on air pollution levels. Instead, many community members rely on weather apps and newscasts that use sensors far from where we are actually breathing for our air quality information.
This report presents the state of Kingston’s air in 2025 to create a clearer picture of air quality conditions for those who live, work, play, and breathe in the area. To evaluate air quality, we measure air pollution levels using PM 2.5 (particulate matter in the air that is 2.5 microns or smaller). PM 2.5 is the air pollutant that has the biggest impact on health, environment, and climate.
TLDR: This report shows that, in 2025, Kingston experienced a slight increase in PM 2.5 levels compared to 2024. Important ways you can help reduce PM 2.5 locally include: limiting recreational woodburning, and reducing car use
We have been measuring regional air pollution (PM 2.5) in Kingston from the rooftop of the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center (467 Broadway) since 2020. This was the first monitor station of its kind in the Hudson Valley, and served as a model for similar rooftop sensors placed at Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Bard College.
As is demonstrated by this bar chart of annual air pollution measured from the AMNC rooftop, compared to 2024, particulate matter in Kingston’s air slightly increased in 2025, but is still below both EPA and WHO guidelines for air quality.
There is one major caveat to this finding, however, which is that measurements made from a rooftop do not necessarily represent what is happening at street-level (where we live).
This hour-by-hour comparison of two street-level AQ sensors deployed in Midtown Kingston to the AMNC rooftop in August 2025 demonstrates that Kingston neighborhoods can have very different street-level PM 2.5 exposures, and often have higher levels of PM 2.5 than those detected on the roof of the AMNC.
Bottom line: Our 2025 annual average for air pollution (PM 2.5) increased slightly from 2024. We experienced an increase in wildfire smoke plume events (as seen in the chart below). Our air quality is something we need to protect, in the same way we protect our beautiful scenery, soil, and water in the Hudson Valley. Ways to make an immediate difference: refrain/reduce all recreational woodburning; advocate for city ordinances meant to protect air quality; reduce car use; etc. etc. etc……
To get live, real time email or text alerts from our Kingston air quality sensors, scan the QR code to sign up on Just Air (or visit justair.app). Click create an account, enter your contact information, and favorite the sensor you want to receive alerts from to receive a notification when air pollution levels are elevated, and when they return back to EPA “Good” standards.
* Sites added in 2026
† Sites sponsored by Ulster County
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