Brighton Park noise map: how loud is it?

Brighton Park is home to about 42,922 residents across 20 census tracts. 10% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 1.4% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 90% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Brighton Park #34 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, louder than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Kenwood (#33) and just above Irving Park (#35).

Exposure across Brighton Park is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 10%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Brighton Park noise: the specifics

• Ranks #34 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 10% of Brighton Park's ~42,922 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 1.4% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 90% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 20 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #34 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.