This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 02660 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 1,935 02660 residents, or 34.5%, live above that level. By land area, 43.8% of 02660 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 02660 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 02660
Average noise levels for 02660 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 02660. The highest population-weighted average is in central 02660; the lowest is in northeastern 02660, where just 16% of residents live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, about half the share in the loudest section.
Central 02660
45% of people above 55 dBA
Southwestern 02660
35% of people above 55 dBA
Southeastern 02660
26% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 02660
19% of people above 55 dBA
Northeastern 02660
16% of people above 55 dBA
To the human ear, noise in central 02660 sounds about 88% louder than in northeastern 02660, a 9.1 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 US Hwy 6 do you need to be?
US Hwy 6 produces an estimated 73 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 48% of 02660 sits under tree canopy (heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 24% 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.