This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 23693 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 6,572 23693 residents, or 29.8%, live above that level. By land area, 44.2% of 23693 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 23693 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 23693
Average noise levels for 23693 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 23693. The highest population-weighted average is in western 23693; the lowest is in southeastern 23693, where just 21% of residents live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, about half the share in the loudest section.
Western 23693
55% of people above 55 dBA
Northwestern 23693
44% of people above 55 dBA
Southwestern 23693
22% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern 23693
24% of people above 55 dBA
Southeastern 23693
21% of people above 55 dBA
To the human ear, noise in western 23693 sounds about 138% louder than in southeastern 23693, a 12.5 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 92 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 normal conversation an arm’s length away.
Calculated from the model's calibrated attenuation formula. About 38% of 23693 sits under tree canopy (heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 34% 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.