Chicago vs Rockford Air Quality Comparison
Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI
As of September 16, 2026, Rockford, IL has cleaner air than Chicago, IL — AQI 22 (Good) vs 46 (Good), a gap of 24 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Chicago's reading is driven by PM2.5 and Rockford's by PM2.5.
Chicago, IL
Good
Rockford, IL
Good
Summary
Rockford has 24 points better air quality
Rockford has an AQI of 22 compared to 46
Our Pick
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Even with good outdoor air in Chicago, indoor PM2.5, dust and allergens build up. A True-HEPA purifier keeps a bedroom or office consistently clean.
Budget Pick4.7(74,000+ ratings)
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
Best value True-HEPA for everyday allergens, dust and dander
Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:
Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
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
Check Price on Amazon →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 →Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.