This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 32408 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 2,717 32408 residents, or 16.8%, live above that level. By land area, 25.5% of 32408 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 32408 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 32408
Average noise levels for 32408 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 32408. The highest population-weighted average is in northern 32408; the lowest is in eastern 32408, where just 4% of residents live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, a third of the share in the loudest section.
Northern 32408
16% of people above 55 dBA
Northwestern 32408
19% of people above 55 dBA
Southwestern 32408
10% of people above 55 dBA
Southeastern 32408
5% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern 32408
4% of people above 55 dBA
To the human ear, noise in northern 32408 sounds about 89% louder than in eastern 32408, a 9.2 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 Thomas Dr do you need to be?
Thomas Dr produces an estimated 63 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 15% of 32408 sits under tree canopy (lighter than most zip codes) and roughly 39% 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.