Air Quality in Zurich: best neighborhoods and areas
By VivaMap · find the best place to live in Switzerland, from canton to exact address · Last updated 14 September 2026
Air Quality blends three major pollutants: NO₂, PM2.5 and PM10. Immissions are mapped by the NABEL network and FOEN, referenced to WHO 2021 thresholds. A high score means cleaner air.
On this criterion, the Zurich area underperforms. The average score of 5.7/10, computed across 138 communes, sits below the national average (6.3/10). Scores span from 3.9/10 to 7.4/10 across the communes analysed.
The standard deviation of 0.5 signals relative homogeneity; results are comparable from one commune to the next.
Top 5 Communes
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1. Hüttikon (ZH) 7.4/10strong performance, above the national average
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2. Killwangen (AG) 7.0/10strong performance, above the national average
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3. Islisberg (AG) 6.9/10strong performance, above the national average
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4. Regensberg (ZH) 6.7/10strong performance, above the national average
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5. Schleinikon (ZH) 6.6/10strong performance, above the national average
Bottom 5 Communes
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1. Oberrieden (ZH) 3.9/10modest performance, below the national average
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2. Kilchberg (ZH) 4.3/10modest performance, below the national average
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3. Wallisellen (ZH) 4.3/10modest performance, below the national average
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4. Wettswil am Albis (ZH) 4.5/10solid performance, close to the Swiss average
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5. Urdorf (ZH) 4.6/10solid performance, close to the Swiss average
Geographic Patterns and Contrasts
The spread between the top-ranked commune (7.4/10) and the weakest (3.9/10) reaches 3.5 points. The agglomeration offers contrasting profiles without marked homogeneity.
Top-ranked communes typically benefit from several convergent factors (location, long-standing infrastructure, geographic exposure); the weakest often compound structural disadvantages. The interactive map makes these spatial clusters visible at a glance.
Who Weighs This Criterion Most
Among the four VivaMap profiles, the Nature profile weights this criterion most heavily (weight 95 out of 100). The other profiles apply the following weights: Retirement (weight 90), Family (weight 80), Young Professional (weight 40).
Practically, a high Air Quality score carries significant impact on the ranking for the Nature profile, whereas it matters less for a profile that de-emphasises this criterion. This explains why the same commune can lead one ranking and fall mid-pack in another.
Comparison Across Swiss Agglomerations
Among the 21 major Swiss agglomerations analysed by VivaMap, Zurich sits in the lower half for Air Quality — rank 15/21 (ahead of 33% of the agglomerations).
Its immediate neighbours in the ranking are Lucerne (rank 14) and Bern (rank 16). This context helps calibrate absolute scores: an agglomeration that looks average in isolation can sit well among its peers, and vice versa.
Key Takeaway
To prioritise Air Quality in the Zurich area, Hüttikon (ZH) leads with 7.4/10. Explore the interactive map to compare communes in real time, adjust weights to your profile, and see variation at the neighbourhood scale. See the national Air Quality page for the full ranking and methodology.
Related Guides
Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM — Scores normalised 0-10