This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 02638 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 743 02638 residents, or 23.1%, live above that level. By land area, 31.0% of 02638 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 02638 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 02638
Average noise levels for 02638 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 02638. Central 02638 carries the highest population-weighted average; Western 02638 carries the lowest. Just 24% of residents in Western 02638 live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, roughly the same as the share in Central 02638.
Central 02638
19% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern 02638
25% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 02638
18% of people above 55 dBA
Southern 02638
24% of people above 55 dBA
Western 02638
24% of people above 55 dBA
Central 02638 sounds about 16% louder than Western 02638 to the human ear, a 2.1 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 55% of 02638 sits under tree canopy (much heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 15% 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.