This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 02568 at 100-meter resolution, combining road, aviation, and rail sources. Green areas measure below 45 dBA. Orange and red exceed the EPA's 55 dBA outdoor threshold linked to long-term health effects. Use the layer toggles to view each source on its own or all together.
What the numbers sound like
- 30 dBAWhisper
- 40 dBASoft rainfall
- 45 dBAQuiet suburban street at night
- 50 dBAQuiet office
- 55 dBAEPA outdoor threshold: light traffic 100 ft away
- 60 dBANormal conversation an arm's length away
- 65 dBABusy restaurant
- 70 dBAHighway traffic 50 ft away
- 80 dBACity bus interior
Population Above the EPA Outdoor Threshold
The EPA's 55 dBA outdoor reference level is a common benchmark for residential noise exposure, especially for activity interference, annoyance, and long-term community noise concerns. About 1,280 02568 residents, or 24.5%, live above that level. By land area, 28.2% of 02568 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 02568 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 02568
Average noise levels for 02568 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 02568. The highest population-weighted average is in central 02568; the lowest is in western 02568, where just 5% of residents live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, a third of the share in the loudest section.
Central 02568
24% of people above 55 dBA
Northeastern 02568
20% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 02568
17% of people above 55 dBA
Southeastern 02568
12% of people above 55 dBA
Western 02568
5% of people above 55 dBA
To the human ear, noise in central 02568 sounds about 43% louder than in western 02568, a 5.2 dBA gap. Every 10 dBA roughly doubles perceived loudness. Within any of these directions, two homes a quarter mile apart can still differ by 10 or more dBA depending on how close they sit to a major highway.
How far back from do you need to be?
produces an estimated 64 dBA at its loudest centerline points. Noise drops logarithmically with distance, with the exact rate depending on what's between you and the road. Tree cover, walls, terrain, and pavement type all matter. At roughly a quarter mile back, traffic fades into the noise level of a soft rainfall.
Calculated from the model's calibrated attenuation formula. About 53% of 02568 sits under tree canopy (much heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 12% is impervious surface like pavement and rooftops. Both are folded into the per-place decay rate above. Heavier canopy pulls noise down faster with distance; impervious surfaces slow the drop.