Do you get enough sleep every night? The CDC recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for individuals 18 to 60. Getting the proper amount of sleep comes with several benefits, such as reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and fighting off common illnesses, to name a few.
At NapLab, we understand that falling asleep is challenging for many people, particularly those living in noisy places. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s more challenging to catch a few Z’s in some cities than in others.
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<a href="https://naplab.com/guides/loudest-and-quietest-places-to-sleep-in-america/">
<img src="https://naplab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/loudest-quietest-sleep-5.png" alt="The Loudest (and Quietest) Places to Sleep in America - NapLab Mattress Reviews - Infographic" title="The Loudest (and Quietest) Places to Sleep in America - NapLab.com - Infographic"></a><br><a href="https://www.NapLab.com" alt="NapLab Mattress Reviews" title="NapLab.com">By NapLab.com</a>
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</center>The loudest and quietest places to sleep in America were identified using the National Transportation Noise Exposure Map, which reveals the counties with the highest percentage of people exposed to noise levels of 60 decibels (dB) or more. Everyday conversations typically range from 60 to 70 dB, which serves as our baseline for a disruptive noise level for sleep.
The Noise Exposure Map categorizes the number of people exposed to various noise levels: 60–70 dB, 70–80 dB, 80–90 dB, and 90 dB or above. These figures have been combined to determine the total number of people in each county who experience noise levels high enough to disrupt sleep.
The Loudest Places to Sleep in the U.S.
Out of all 50 states, why are the top three loudest cities located in Colorado? These three cities have more factors in common than just their location in the Centennial State. Check out the reasons why many Coloradans complain that it’s too loud to sleep.
1. Denver, CO, at 18.17%
From 2010 to 2020, Denver has experienced a steady increase in population. At the very least, this brings increased conversations, adding to the total decibel count. Combine this with the rise in ongoing home and neighborhood construction projects needed to accommodate the expanding number of residents. Furthermore, there’s more traffic on the roads and in the sky. The Denver International Airport plays a significant role in landing Denver at the top of the list of the loudest places to live in America.
2. Colorado Springs, CO, at 13.66%
Mountain trails, beautiful parks, and a temperate climate are just a few reasons people put down stakes in Colorado Springs. Not surprisingly, the growing number of residents contributes to the noise level with more traffic on the streets and highways. Plus, this city has a few military bases with planes taking off and equipment moving on the roads, adding to the noise level. A plane soaring over your neighborhood can undoubtedly be a hindrance to sleep.
3. Aurora, CO, at 13.62%
An increase in population and crowded neighborhoods are two factors in the loud noise level in Aurora, located in Arapahoe County. More cars and trucks on the roads are other contributors to this city’s high ranking on the list. The increasing number of flights arriving at and leaving nearby Denver International Airport also boosts the decibel levels in this city.
The Quietest Places to Sleep in the U.S.
Now that you know some of the factors that contribute to increasing the noise levels in a city, consider the elements that contribute to a quiet environment. What is it about these cities that give residents a better chance at a good night’s sleep?
1. Zephyrhills, FL, at 1.68%
The city of Zephyrhills has the largest population in Pasco County, Florida. Despite its large population, it tops the list as one of the quietest places to live in America. One reason for its ranking is Zephyrhills is forty minutes away from Tampa. So residents aren’t disturbed by the hustle and bustle. Furthermore, according to recent demographics, the median age in Zephyrhills is 48.9 years old. This city is home to many retirees and snowbirds. Generally, this demographic prefers a quiet community to a noisy, fast-moving city that never sleeps.
2. Cape Coral, FL, at 1.81%
In Lee County, Florida, Cape Coral sits on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its low-key, small community vibe. It has several peaceful parks, canals, and scenic areas to enjoy. The affordability of this city makes it appealing to seniors and retirees who want a quiet place to live comfortably on a fixed income. In addition, the town has noise ordinances with heavy fines to guard against increased noise levels during tourist season.
3. Lakewood Township, NJ, at 1.90%
This small township in New Jersey features scenic parks, historic buildings, and a quaint downtown area. In short, Lakewood Township is the opposite of a bustling city on the go. Instead, it’s known for family-friendly activities such as canoeing and fishing on Lake Carasaljo, golfing, and museum tours. These low-key activities contribute to keeping the township’s noise levels low, allowing its residents a quiet environment for sleep.
Tips to Get More Sleep in a Noisy Environment
If you spot your city on the list of the loudest places to live in America, you can do some simple things to improve your chances of getting some rest.
- Turn on a white noise machine, a recording of nature’s sounds, or a ceiling fan to mask louder noises in your environment
- Use earplugs to block out noise
- Plant hedges or trees to block noise from coming through bedroom windows
- Install thick window curtains to reduce noise coming in from outside
Finally, whether you live in a noisy or quiet city, falling asleep can be a little easier on the right mattress. Our expert reviews and comparisons at NapLab can help you find a mattress that meets all your needs and preferences for restful sleep.
The 20 Loudest Places to Sleep in America
| County | Most Populous City in County | County Population | Total Number of People Exposed to Noise at 60+ dB | Percent of Population Exposed to Noise at 60+ dB | |
| 1 | Denver County, CO | Denver | 715,878 | 130,089.9 | 18.17% |
| 2 | El Paso County, CO | Colorado Springs | 710,499 | 97,027.5 | 13.66% |
| 3 | Arapahoe County, CO | Aurora | 649,980 | 88,508.2 | 13.62% |
| 4 | Adams County, CO | Thornton | 509,844 | 65,816.7 | 12.91% |
| 5 | Suffolk County, MA | Boston | 801,162 | 102,206.6 | 12.76% |
| 6 | Jefferson County, CO | Lakewood | 578,795 | 62,494.8 | 10.80% |
| 7 | NY County, NY | New York | 1,629,153 | 163,211.1 | 10.02% |
| 8 | San Francisco County, CA | San Francisco | 874,784 | 82,762.9 | 9.46% |
| 9 | Cook County, IL | Chicago | 5,169,517 | 474,107.4 | 9.17% |
| 10 | Bronx County, NY | Pelham Manor | 1,427,056 | 129,567.3 | 9.08% |
| 11 | Los Angeles County, CA | Los Angeles | 10,040,682 | 864,350.9 | 8.61% |
| 12 | Queens County, NY | Bellerose | 2,270,976 | 194,893.1 | 8.58% |
| 13 | Santa Clara County, CA | San Jose | 1,924,379 | 161,903.2 | 8.41% |
| 14 | Alameda County, CA | Oakland | 1,661,584 | 139,349.2 | 8.39% |
| 15 | Orange County, CA | Anaheim | 3,170,345 | 252,169.3 | 7.95% |
| 16 | Fresno County, CA | Fresno | 990,204 | 72,328.4 | 7.30% |
| 17 | Union County, NJ | Elizabeth | 555,208 | 40,440.0 | 7.28% |
| 18 | San Mateo County, CA | San Mateo | 765,623 | 54,192.1 | 7.08% |
| 19 | San Joaquin County, CA | Stockton | 751,615 | 52,455.4 | 6.98% |
| 20 | Multnomah County, OR | Portland | 809,869 | 56,262.0 | 6.95% |
The 20 Quietest Places to Sleep in America
| County | Most Populous City in County | County Population | Total Number of People Exposed to Noise at 60+ dB | Percent of Population Exposed to Noise at 60+ dB | |
| 1 | Pasco County, FL | Zephyrhills | 539,885 | 9,064.5 | 1.68% |
| 2 | Lee County, FL | Cape Coral | 756,570 | 13,703.2 | 1.81% |
| 3 | Ocean County, NJ | Lakewood Township | 602,018 | 11,459.2 | 1.90% |
| 4 | Lancaster County, PA | Lancaster | 543,050 | 10,825.7 | 1.99% |
| 5 | Chester County, PA | Norristown | 521,980 | 10,893.8 | 2.09% |
| 6 | Polk County, FL | Lakeland | 705,735 | 15,042.4 | 2.13% |
| 7 | Gwinnett County, GA | Peachtree Corners | 926,414 | 19,906.0 | 2.15% |
| 8 | Fort Bend County, TX | Sugar Land | 790,892 | 17,505.8 | 2.21% |
| 9 | Pinellas County, FL | St. Petersburg | 970,985 | 21,537.3 | 2.22% |
| 10 | Oklahoma County, OK | Oklahoma City | 792,668 | 18,148.7 | 2.29% |
| 11 | Montgomery County, TX | The Woodlands | 590,188 | 14,152.9 | 2.40% |
| 12 | Greenville County, SC | Greenville | 516,126 | 12,721.7 | 2.46% |
| 13 | Hidalgo County, TX | McAllen | 861,137 | 21,610.6 | 2.51% |
| 14 | Sedgwick County, KS | Wichita | 515,416 | 13,239.2 | 2.57% |
| 15 | Williamson County, TX | Round Rock | 570,437 | 14,836.0 | 2.60% |
| 16 | Bucks County, PA | Bensalem township | 627,668 | 16,421.7 | 2.62% |
| 17 | Monroe County, NY | Rochester | 743,084 | 20,358.3 | 2.74% |
| 18 | Volusia County, FL | Deltona | 546,107 | 15,136.5 | 2.77% |
| 19 | Erie County, NY | Buffalo | 918,873 | 25,827.3 | 2.81% |
| 20 | Collin County, TX | Plano | 1,006,038 | 28,559.7 | 2.84% |
Note: Counties with a population of 500,000 or more were included in this study.
No data was available for any Connecticut counties due to the state restructuring from counties to “Planning Regions.”
Source: National Transportation Noise Exposure Map. https://deohs.washington.edu/national-transportation-noise-exposure-map-download
