This map shows modeled outdoor noise across Ochiltree County 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 770 Ochiltree County residents, or 14.4%, live above that level. By land area, 7.5% of Ochiltree County is above 55 dBA.
See how noise in Ochiltree County compares to similar-sized counties.
Noise by Part of Ochiltree County
Average noise levels for Ochiltree County residents, grouped by direction from the center of Ochiltree County. Northern Ochiltree County carries the highest population-weighted average; Southern Ochiltree County carries the lowest. Just 0% of residents in Southern Ochiltree County live in blocks above the EPA's 55 dBA threshold, a fifth of the share in Northern Ochiltree County.
Central Ochiltree County
35% of people above 55 dBA
Eastern Ochiltree County
10% of people above 55 dBA
Northern Ochiltree County
17% of people above 55 dBA
Southern Ochiltree County
0% of people above 55 dBA
Western Ochiltree County
1% of people above 55 dBA
Northern Ochiltree County sounds about 79% louder than Southern Ochiltree County to the human ear, a 8.4 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 Hollow E0350 do you need to be?
Hollow E0350 produces an estimated 55 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 2% of Ochiltree County sits under tree canopy (much lighter than most counties) and roughly 36% 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.