This map shows modeled outdoor noise across 98641 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 7 98641 residents, or 4.6%, live above that level. By land area, 16.7% of 98641 is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in 98641 compares to similar-sized zip codes.
Noise by Part of 98641
Average noise levels for 98641 residents, grouped by direction from the center of 98641. Western 98641 carries the highest population-weighted average; Northern 98641 carries the lowest. Just 9% of residents in Northern 98641 live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, roughly the same as the share in Western 98641.
Central 98641
0% of people above 55 dBA
Northern 98641
9% of people above 55 dBA
Southern 98641
2% of people above 55 dBA
Western 98641
4% of people above 55 dBA
Western 98641 sounds about 35% louder than Northern 98641 to the human ear, a 4.3 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 SR-103 do you need to be?
SR-103 produces an estimated 52 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 58% of 98641 sits under tree canopy (much heavier than most zip codes) and roughly 0% 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.