When you think about choosing a place to live, what comes to mind? Great schools, affordable housing, and a strong job market are often at the top of the list. But there’s another, increasingly vital factor that profoundly impacts our daily health and well-being: the quality of the air we breathe. For those with respiratory conditions, young families, or anyone simply seeking a healthier lifestyle, clean air is becoming a non-negotiable part of the search for home.
Pennsylvania, with its beautiful mix of sprawling rural landscapes and bustling urban centers, offers a diverse range of air quality experiences. While some areas face challenges, many communities across the Keystone State enjoy remarkably fresh and clean air. This list of the 10 Cities With the Best Air Quality in Pennsylvania 2025 highlights the places where you can take a deep, refreshing breath and feel good about it.
What Makes a City’s Air Quality “Good”?
Before we look at the list, it’s helpful to know what we’re measuring. Air quality is typically assessed by the concentration of pollutants in the air, most notably ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (often called PM2.5). These tiny particles can penetrate deep into our lungs and even enter the bloodstream. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to report daily air quality. A “good” AQI, represented by a green color, means air pollution poses little to no risk. The cities on this list consistently earn these favorable scores thanks to factors like lower traffic density, abundant green spaces, and favorable geographic conditions that help disperse pollutants.
10 Cities With the Best Air Quality in Pennsylvania 2025
Based on recent EPA data, historical trends, and local environmental factors, here are ten Pennsylvania communities where the air is exceptionally clean.
1. State College
Home to Penn State University, State College benefits from a vibrant, walkable community and a relative lack of heavy industry. The surrounding ridges and valleys, combined with a culture that emphasizes outdoor activity, contribute to its consistently excellent air quality ratings.
2. Lancaster
While a growing city, Lancaster’s commitment to sustainability and its location in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country pays dividends. The vast expanses of farmland surrounding the city act as a natural green lung, helping to maintain fresh air.
3. Erie
Erie’s position on the shores of Lake Erie is a major advantage. The consistent winds coming off the lake help to sweep away and dilute air pollutants, resulting in some of the cleanest air readings for a city of its size in the state.
4. Williamsport
Nestled in the West Branch Susquehanna Valley, Williamsport is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of north-central Pennsylvania. This topography and its smaller scale shield it from the industrial and vehicular pollution that affects more densely populated areas.
5. Altoona
Situated in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona’s elevation and forested surroundings are key to its clean air. The city’s air quality is consistently better than both state and national averages, making it a healthy haven in the region.
6. Johnstown
Similar to Altoona, Johnstown’s location in a river valley surrounded by the Laurel Highlands helps protect its air. While it has an industrial history, modern regulations and its geographic setting have led to significant improvements in its air quality.
7. Scranton
Despite being part of a larger metropolitan area, Scranton’s hilly terrain and ongoing transition away from its coal-mining past have resulted in much cleaner air. Efforts to revitalize green spaces within the city also contribute to healthier conditions.
8. Bethlehem
This Lehigh Valley city has masterfully transformed itself. Where massive steel mills once operated, you now find a thriving arts and cultural scene. This shift, coupled with thoughtful urban planning, has dramatically improved the city’s air quality over the years.
9. Reading
Located in the agriculturally rich Berks County, Reading is another city that reaps the benefits of its surroundings. While it faces some challenges, its air quality metrics often outperform those of other eastern Pennsylvania cities, thanks in part to the open spaces that buffer it.
10. York
York’s position in the Susquehanna River Valley allows for good air circulation. The city has also seen a steady trend of improvement in its air quality, making it a solid choice for those seeking a healthy environment in south-central PA.
How You Can Find and Support Clean Air
Even if you don’t live in one of these specific cities, there are ways to find areas with good air quality and contribute to cleaner air for everyone.
Check the AQI Daily: Make a habit of checking your local Air Quality Index, just like you would the weather forecast. Apps and websites from AirNow and the EPA provide real-time, color-coded data for your area.
Be Mindful of Your Commute: Consider carpooling, using public transportation, or biking when possible. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road is one of the most effective ways to lower ozone and particulate pollution.
Support Local Green Initiatives: Many towns and cities have tree-planting programs or sustainability committees. Getting involved or simply voicing your support for these efforts can have a long-term positive impact on your community’s air.
Conserve Energy at Home: Turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances, reduces the demand on power plants, which are a significant source of air pollution.
Breathing Easy in the Keystone State
From the lake-effect breezes of Erie to the mountain-protected valleys of the central regions, Pennsylvania is home to numerous communities where you can enjoy the simple, vital pleasure of clean air. Whether you’re planning a move or simply appreciating what your own town has to offer, understanding and valuing air quality is a crucial step toward a healthier life. By making conscious choices and supporting broader environmental efforts, we can all help ensure that the air across the state remains fresh for years to come.