Lincoln Square noise map: how loud is it?

Lincoln Square is home to about 41,294 residents across 24 census tracts. 7.6% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 0.7% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 92.4% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Lincoln Square #52 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, quieter than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Beverly (#51) and just above Washington Park (#53).

Exposure across Lincoln Square is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 7.6%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Lincoln Square noise: the specifics

• Ranks #52 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 7.6% of Lincoln Square's ~41,294 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 0.7% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 92.4% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 24 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #52 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.