Americans Are Leaving Areas At Risk Of Poor Air Quality, Mostly Because They’re Expensive

U.S. counties at high risk of poor air quality lost a net 277,740 residents in 2025, but that outflow was less than half the 603,270 recorded in 2021. Redfin found affordability appears to be a bigger driver than air quality, with expensive high-risk areas such as Los Angeles and New York losing residents while more affordable at-risk areas gained them. Air quality still matters to homebuyers, however: 36% say a clean home with high-end air and water filtration is a must-have, ranking it above smart-home technology, views and luxury amenities.

The findings give sellers two useful prospecting angles: housing affordability and growing interest in healthier homes. Consider real estate agents, mortgage lenders, homebuilders, HVAC contractors, air filtration and purification companies, home improvement businesses and appliance retailers, particularly those that can help consumers improve indoor air quality or make a move more affordable.