South Shore noise map: how loud is it?

South Shore is home to about 50,168 residents across 24 census tracts. 8.7% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 1.3% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 90.4% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks South Shore #41 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, quieter than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Englewood (#40) and just above Norwood Park (#42).

Exposure across South Shore is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 8.7%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

South Shore noise: the specifics

• Ranks #41 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 8.7% of South Shore's ~50,168 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 1.3% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 90.4% 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.
• #41 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.