Washington Heights (North) noise map: how loud is it?

Washington Heights (North) is home to about 75,375 residents across 17 census tracts. 5.9% of them are exposed to 60 dB or more of average-day road, rail and aviation noise. Within that, 2.4% face the most severe band — 70 dB or louder, the level at which sustained exposure starts to threaten hearing. A further 94.1% sit in the 45–60 dB band — a noticeable background hum rather than a hearing risk. That ranks Washington Heights (North) #102 of 197 New York neighborhoods, quieter than most New York neighborhoods. Among New York neighborhoods it sits just below Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil (#101) and just above Kensington (#103).

Exposure across Washington Heights (North) is a patchwork. The streets that back onto a freeway, rail line or flight path carry most of the 5.9%, 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 (North) noise: the specifics

• Ranks #102 of 197 New York neighborhoods by share of residents exposed to ≥60 dB transportation noise.
• 5.9% of Washington Heights (North)'s ~75,375 residents live with 60 dB or louder average-day transportation noise.
• 2.4% are in the severe 70 dB+ band; 94.1% 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.
• #102 of 197 — see the full New York ranking.