What is the air quality in Plymouth?

In Plymouth, the highest modelled annual-mean concentrations across the authority in 2024 were 8 μg/m³ for PM2.5 and 25 μg/m³ for NO2 (DEFRA UK-AIR compliance data). For comparison, the WHO 2021 annual-mean guideline values are 5 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 10 μg/m³ (NO2), and the UK statutory limit values are 20 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 40 μg/m³ (NO2).

How does Plymouth compare to other areas?

Plymouth ranks 78 of 145 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, with 77 areas scoring higher. Its pillar sub-scores (0–100, higher = better) are 65.3 for air quality, 39.5 for life expectancy and 84.4 for GP access. The healthiest-ranked area overall is Rutland (92.9 / 100).

Where does this data for Plymouth come from?

Air quality is DEFRA UK-AIR Local Authority annual-mean data (2024); life expectancy is the ONS estimate for Plymouth (ONS code E06000026); GP access is the share of CQC-rated GP practices rated Good or Outstanding. All three are Open Government Licence v3.0. The composite is computed by Gera and the underlying figures are unaltered — none is estimated.

Is Plymouth a Healthy Place to Live?

Plymouth (South West) ranks 78 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities on the Gera Healthy-Place Index — among the above average.

Is Plymouth a healthy place to live?

Plymouth scores 61 out of 100 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, ranking 78 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities (1 = healthiest). It records a maximum modelled 8 μg/m³ PM2.5 and 25 μg/m³ NO2 (DEFRA 2024), life expectancy of 80.6 years (ONS), and 95.2% of GP practices rated Good or Outstanding (CQC).

Source:Gera Healthy-Place Index — composite of DEFRA + ONS + CQC open data·as of Air 2024 calendar year; life expectancy 2017-19; GP ratings 2026-06-01updated annually (last: 19 June 2026)

Gera Healthy-Place Index61 / 100Plymouth ranks 78 of 145. Air 65.3/100, life expectancy 39.5/100, GP access 84.4/100 (each normalised across the included areas).How this index is calculated

Healthy-Place pillars for Plymouth — DEFRA + ONS + CQC (OGL v3.0)
Pillar	Real figure	Sub-score (0–100)
Air quality (DEFRA)	max 8 μg/m³ PM2.5, 25 μg/m³ NO2	65.3 / 100
Life expectancy (ONS)	80.6 years	39.5 / 100
GP access (CQC)	95.2% (20 of 21 rated practices)	84.4 / 100

Plymouth air quality vs published limits (DEFRA 2024)
Pollutant	Plymouth (max annual mean)	WHO 2021 guideline	UK limit value
PM2.5	8 μg/m³	5 μg/m³	20 μg/m³
NO2	25 μg/m³	10 μg/m³	40 μg/m³

Re-weight what matters — is Plymouth right for you?

Adjust the sliders for air quality, life expectancy and GP access; the ranking re-computes live and shows where this area lands under your own priorities.

Your area (upper-tier local authority)

What matters to you? (re-weight the pillars)Air quality (DEFRA)40%Life expectancy (ONS)35%GP access (CQC)25%

Weights are normalised automatically. Defaults: 40% air, 35% life expectancy, 25% GP access.

Under your weighting, Plymouth scores 61 / 100 and ranks 78 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities.

Air (max PM2.5 / NO2)

8 / 25 μg/m³

sub-score 65.3/100

Life expectancy

80.6 years

sub-score 39.5/100

GP practices Good/Outstanding

95.2%

sub-score 84.4/100

Wherever you live, a GeraClinic UK-registered clinician can see you by secure video — useful where local GP access is stretched.

See a GeraClinic doctor

Top 5 healthiest places under your weighting

1. Rutland92.9 / 100
2. Wokingham79.4 / 100
3. Dorset79.1 / 100
4. Richmond upon Thames79.1 / 100
5. Bracknell Forest79 / 100

Other South West areas, ranked

Plymouth: frequently asked questions

Is Plymouth a healthy place to live?: Plymouth scores 61 / 100 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, ranking 78 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities (1 = healthiest). It records a maximum modelled annual-mean of 8 μg/m³ PM2.5 and 25 μg/m³ NO2 (DEFRA 2024), life expectancy of 80.6 years (ONS) and 95.2% of its GP practices rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC.
What is the air quality in Plymouth?: In Plymouth, the highest modelled annual-mean concentrations across the authority in 2024 were 8 μg/m³ for PM2.5 and 25 μg/m³ for NO2 (DEFRA UK-AIR compliance data). For comparison, the WHO 2021 annual-mean guideline values are 5 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 10 μg/m³ (NO2), and the UK statutory limit values are 20 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 40 μg/m³ (NO2).
How does Plymouth compare to other areas?: Plymouth ranks 78 of 145 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, with 77 areas scoring higher. Its pillar sub-scores (0–100, higher = better) are 65.3 for air quality, 39.5 for life expectancy and 84.4 for GP access. The healthiest-ranked area overall is Rutland (92.9 / 100).
Where does this data for Plymouth come from?: Air quality is DEFRA UK-AIR Local Authority annual-mean data (2024); life expectancy is the ONS estimate for Plymouth (ONS code E06000026); GP access is the share of CQC-rated GP practices rated Good or Outstanding. All three are Open Government Licence v3.0. The composite is computed by Gera and the underlying figures are unaltered — none is estimated.

Healthcare in Plymouth

Wherever Plymouth ranks, a GeraClinic UK-registered clinician can see you by secure video — useful where local GP access is stretched. Often same-day.

See a GeraClinic doctor How GeraClinic works

Contains public sector information published by Gera Systems and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (source data). Source: Gera Healthy-Place Index — composite of DEFRA + ONS + CQC open data (Air 2024 calendar year; life expectancy 2017-19; GP ratings 2026-06-01, published 19 June 2026).

Reference: the included-area mean is 9.4 μg/m³ PM2.5, 26.8 μg/m³ NO2, 81.4 years life expectancy, 95.9% GP practices Good/Outstanding. Healthiest overall: Rutland (92.9/100). See the methodology.