This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 18101 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 2,068 18101 residents, or 92.0%, live above that level. By land area, 88.3% of 18101 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 18101 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 18101
Average noise levels for 18101 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 18101. Central 18101 carries the highest population-weighted average; Eastern 18101 carries the lowest. Just 88% of residents in Eastern 18101 live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, roughly the same as the share in Central 18101.
Central 18101
94% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern 18101
88% of people above 55 dBA
Western 18101
86% of people above 55 dBA
Central 18101 sounds about 34% louder than Eastern 18101 to the human ear, a 4.2 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 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 4% of 18101 sits under tree canopy (much lighter than most zip codes) and roughly 82% 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.