For those living near airports or under busy flight paths, aircraft noise can be an unwelcome disturbance, with takeoffs and landings contributing to unwanted noise throughout the day and night.
As part of the Noisiest Cities Index, the team at ReSound analyzed U.S. cities across a range of factors, including traffic congestion, aircraft noise, nightlife, live music venues, major sports stadiums, population density, noise and light pollution, and the proportion of residents exposed to harmful environmental noise levels.
Phoenix ranks first for aircraft noise at 63 dB. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and sits close to the center of the city. This could help explain why aircraft noise may be more noticeable for residents, particularly those living close to flight paths.
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Top 10 U.S. cities with the highest aircraft noise levels
- Phoenix, Arizona – 63 dB
- New York City, New York – 61 dB
- Miami, Florida – 61 dB
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 61 dB
- Seattle, Washington – 60 dB
- Los Angeles, California – 59 dB
- San Diego, California – 58 dB
- Louisville, Kentucky – 58 dB
- Dallas, Texas – 57 dB
- Orlando, Florida – 56 dB
New York City, Miami and Las Vegas come next, each recording 61 dB of aircraft noise. New York City has several major airports in and around the city, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, which may contribute to higher levels of aircraft noise.
In Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport is located close to the city center and the Las Vegas Strip, while Miami International Airport is also surrounded by built-up areas. This could make aircraft noise more noticeable for residents living nearby.
