Curious about which U.S. states make the most noise? This list of the loudest states in America highlights where the hustle, bustle, and background noise never seem to stop.
From densely packed New Jersey to the tourist-heavy streets of Florida and the tight living spaces of Hawaii and California, these states top the charts for population density, traffic volume, and crowded housing, all major contributors to noise levels.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet move or simply want to avoid the constant din, understanding which states are the noisiest can help you make a more peaceful choice. Let’s dive in!
1. New Jersey
New Jersey takes the top spot as America’s loudest state, primarily due to its dense population and traffic. The state is characterized by a high concentration of both residents and vehicles, with roughly 1,207 people and 371 cars present in one square mile.
This significant presence of both human activity and vehicular movement contributes to a consistently high noise level, making New Jersey the most boisterous state according to the Zippia study’s metrics. Its urbanized environment naturally leads to greater ambient noise.
2. California
California ranks as the second loudest state, making it less ideal for those seeking tranquility. A key factor contributing to its noise level is its high average household size, with 2.67 people residing in homes that are relatively small, averaging 1,625 square feet.
This combination of more people occupying smaller living spaces can lead to increased indoor noise and general activity, diminishing the potential for peace and quiet even amidst the state’s famed sunshine.
3. Hawaii
Hawaii secures the third position among the loudest states, despite its reputation for beachside luxury.
The state’s noise can be attributed to its living conditions: the average home size is quite small at 1,308 square feet, accommodating approximately 3.02 people per household.
Such close quarters among a higher number of residents per home can lead to an increased likelihood of noise.
4. Florida
It is not surprising to find Florida on the list of America’s loudest states, ranking fourth overall. The “Sunshine State” experiences significant noise levels from its year-round residents alone, with 375.9 people and 148 cars per square mile.
This density of permanent residents and vehicles can easily “drown out the soothing sounds of the ocean”.
Furthermore, this calculation does not even account for the millions of tourists who visit Florida each year, undoubtedly adding to the overall auditory landscape.
5. Rhode Island
Tiny Rhode Island ranks as the fifth loudest state, largely due to its concentrated population and vehicular traffic.
The state boasts the largest number of cars registered per square mile in the entire country, at 395.
When paired with approximately 1,010 residents per square mile, this creates a “recipe for a noisy state”.
The high density of both people and cars in a small geographical area contributes significantly to the ambient noise levels experienced throughout Rhode Island.
6. Illinois
Illinois is the sixth loudest state, where noise often stems from crowded living situations. The average home size in Illinois is 1,632 square feet, meaning many residents share “cramped quarters”.
This issue is particularly pronounced in Chicago, where the average apartment size is 10.1% smaller than the national average.
Such tight living conditions contribute to increased noise within residential settings, making Illinois a notably loud state, especially in its more urban centers.
7. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks as the seventh loudest state, with its noise predominantly influenced by commuting activities.
The streets of Massachusetts are prone to being loud, characterized by the movement of approximately 866 people and 278 cars per square mile.
Whether individuals are commuting by train, bus, or car, the sheer volume of traffic and human activity contributes significantly to the state’s overall noise levels. This constant bustle makes Massachusetts a consistently noisy environment.
8. New York
New York ranks as the eighth loudest state, though its rural upstate surroundings help to balance the “staggering stats” of Manhattan.
Despite many city-dwellers not driving, the Empire State as a whole still records around 100 cars registered per square mile.
While the urban areas, particularly New York City, are incredibly loud, the more serene rural parts of the state provide some counter-balance to the overall noise ranking. This blend of urban density and rural expanse shapes its position.
9. Delaware
Delaware ranks as the ninth loudest state, where noise primarily manifests outside the home. The state benefits from a large average house size of 1,800 square feet, which can help contain some indoor noise.
However, the streets themselves can be quite loud, with a significant presence of both people and vehicles: approximately 484 people and 222 registered cars are found every square mile. This combination of high outdoor density contributes to the state’s overall noise level.
10. Maryland
Maryland is the tenth loudest state, where the convergence of people and cars creates a significant auditory impact.
Residents frequently encounter around 615 people and 197 car engines passing every square mile, contributing to a “deafening” environment.
While the state does have a relatively large average house size of 1,920 square feet, which helps “disperse some of that extra noise, especially at night,” the outdoor conditions remain quite loud due to the high density of traffic and population.
11. Ohio
Ohio ranks as the eleventh loudest state, with its noise primarily stemming from crowded living spaces rather than extreme population density.
While Ohio sees fewer people per square mile at just 283, these individuals are often “packed into homes averaging just 1,620 square feet”.
This concentration of people in relatively smaller residential units leads to “a lot of foot traffic when neighbors are trying to get some shut-eye,” contributing significantly to the state’s overall noise level.
12. Connecticut
Connecticut is the twelfth loudest state, with its noise levels influenced by its appeal for education and resulting traffic.
The state’s desirable schools may account for the high density of 741 people and 269 registered cars per square mile.
All this traffic contributes to a “noisy morning commute,” which is made “even louder by reluctant kids at private school drop-off”.
The constant movement of people and vehicles, particularly during peak times, contributes to Connecticut’s overall noise.
13. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the thirteenth loudest state, generally more serene than some others on the list, yet still experiencing notable noise. The state records a lower number of cars registered per square mile, at just 98 across the state.
However, the presence of more than 280 people per square mile keeps things from being entirely quiet, especially in its larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where population density naturally leads to higher noise levels.
14. Michigan
Michigan ranks as the fourteenth loudest state, where the cold winters and smaller average house size contribute to indoor noise.
With an average house size of 1,530 square feet, living quarters can feel cramped, leading to situations where “things can get rowdy”.
Despite this, the “loud lakeside state” benefits from significantly less traffic, with just 53 cars registered per square mile. This balance between indoor density and lower traffic shapes its moderate noise ranking.
15. Indiana
Indiana rounds out the list as the fifteenth loudest state, maintaining a relatively tranquil environment compared to those higher on the list.
The state benefits from having just 62 cars registered per square mile, contributing to its more peaceful atmosphere.
However, the presence of 184 people within the same radius might still be “a bit much for those looking to relax in a more rural setting,” indicating that while generally quieter, it still has a notable level of human activity.
Alicia Richards