Richmond vs Norfolk Air Quality Comparison

Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI

As of September 23, 2026, Richmond, VA has cleaner air than Norfolk, VA — AQI 16 (Good) vs 56 (Moderate), a gap of 40 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Richmond's reading is driven by O3 and Norfolk's by PM2.5.

Richmond, VA

Good

StateVirginia
Dominant PollutantO3
CategoryGood
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Norfolk, VA

Moderate

StateVirginia
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryModerate
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Summary

Richmond has 40 points better air quality

Richmond has an AQI of 16 compared to 56

Our Pick

Extra Protection for Norfolk Homes

Air quality in Norfolk is moderate (AQI 56), with fine particles (PM2.5) the main concern. A True-HEPA purifier gives sensitive groups — kids, seniors and anyone with asthma or allergies — cleaner air indoors on days like today.

Large Room4.6(8,000+ ratings)
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
True HEPA + carbon, high CADR — clears PM2.5 from most rooms fast, our all-round pick
~$230
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Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:

Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
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Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
Check Price on Amazon →

Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

5-Day Forecast Comparison

DayRichmondNorfolkBetter
TodayAQI 17AQI 17Tie
Wed, Sep 23AQI 17AQI 28Richmond

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