Fordham Heights noise map: how loud is it?

Fordham Heights is home to about 33,171 residents across 14 census tracts. 4.8% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 0.1% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 95.2% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Fordham Heights #119 of 197 New York neighborhoods, quieter than most New York neighborhoods. Among New York neighborhoods it sits just below Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill (#118) and just above Manhattanville-West Harlem (#120).

Exposure across Fordham Heights is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 4.8%, while interior blocks a few hundred feet away can sit 15 to 25 dB quieter. The map makes that split easy to see.

Fordham Heights noise: the specifics

• Ranks #119 of 197 New York neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 4.8% of Fordham Heights's ~33,171 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 0.1% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 95.2% sit in the 45–60 dB moderate range.
• Area-weighted across 14 census tracts from the federal BTS 2020 noise map × ACS 2016–2020 population.
• #119 of 197 — see the full New York ranking.