Forest Glen noise map: how loud is it?

Forest Glen is home to about 19,972 residents across 17 census tracts. 13.3% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 1.7% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 86.7% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Forest Glen #21 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, louder than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Jefferson Park (#20) and just above Washington Heights (#22).

Exposure across Forest Glen is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 13.3%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Forest Glen noise: the specifics

• Ranks #21 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 13.3% of Forest Glen's ~19,972 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 1.7% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 86.7% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 17 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #21 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.