Auburn Gresham noise map: how loud is it?

Auburn Gresham is home to about 46,786 residents across 31 census tracts. 8.1% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 0.8% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 91.9% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Auburn Gresham #43 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, quieter than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Norwood Park (#42) and just above South Deering (#44).

Exposure across Auburn Gresham is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 8.1%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Auburn Gresham noise: the specifics

• Ranks #43 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 8.1% of Auburn Gresham's ~46,786 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 0.8% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 91.9% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 31 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #43 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.