Jefferson Park noise map: how loud is it?

Jefferson Park is home to about 27,063 residents across 17 census tracts. 14% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 3.2% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 86% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Jefferson Park #20 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, louder than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below West Garfield Park (#19) and just above Forest Glen (#21).

Exposure across Jefferson Park is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 14%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Jefferson Park noise: the specifics

• Ranks #20 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 14% of Jefferson Park's ~27,063 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 3.2% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 86% 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.
• #20 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.