Washington Heights noise map: how loud is it?

Washington Heights is home to about 26,832 residents across 15 census tracts. 13% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 2.5% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 87% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Washington Heights #22 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods, louder than most Chicago neighborhoods. Among Chicago neighborhoods it sits just below Forest Glen (#21) and just above McKinley Park (#23).

Exposure across Washington Heights is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 13%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Washington Heights noise: the specifics

• Ranks #22 of 77 Chicago neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 13% of Washington Heights's ~26,832 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 2.5% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 87% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 15 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #22 of 77 — see the full Chicago ranking.