This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 26323 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 169 26323 residents, or 60.1%, live above that level. By land area, 80.6% of 26323 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 26323 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 26323
Average noise levels for 26323 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 26323. Northern 26323 carries the highest population-weighted average; Western 26323 carries the lowest. Just 100% of residents in Western 26323 live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, roughly the same as the share in Northern 26323.
Central 26323
43% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern 26323
78% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 26323
37% of people above 55 dBA
Southern 26323
95% of people above 55 dBA
Western 26323
100% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 26323 sounds about 133% louder than Western 26323 to the human ear, a 12.2 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 Interstate 79 do you need to be?
Interstate 79 produces an estimated 76 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 quiet office.
Calculated from the model's calibrated attenuation formula. About 42% of 26323 sits under tree canopy (heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 18% 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.